#Canada #Toronto #Lionel Gelber #Sergey Radchenko #Cold War

Celebrating the 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize

On March 19, 2025, the prestigious Lionel Gelber Prize was awarded to Sergey Radchenko for his compelling book, To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power, published by Cambridge University Press. This annual award recognizes the best English-language non-fiction work on international affairs, judged by an esteemed panel of international journalists, practitioners, and academics.

Judith Gelber, chair of the board of the Lionel Gelber Prize, announced Radchenko's achievement, noting that he has crafted an outstanding narrative that reflects on Cold War dynamics and their implications for today's geopolitical landscape. The win brings not only recognition but a reward of CAD 50,000, highlighting the significant contributions made by authors in the field of global politics.

The jury praised Radchenko’s work for its rich original material and beautifully narrated stories, offering a thorough examination of how Soviet ambitions reflected the broader ideological battles of the Cold War era. The chair of the jury, Janice Stein, emphasizes the relevance of Radchenko's insights in understanding contemporary Russian actions and attitudes toward the West.

The Significance of Radchenko's Work

In To Run the World, Radchenko presents an expansive view of the Cold War, focusing on the psychological motivations behind the Kremlin’s actions. He chronicles the Soviet Union’s attempts to assert itself as a global superpower, diving into significant periods marked by territorial ambitions under Stalin, bold foreign adventures during Khrushchev’s reign, and Brezhnev’s strategies aimed at expanding Soviet influence in the developing world.

Radchenko also explores Gorbachev's efforts to redefine Moscow's role in global politics, illustrating how a combination of insecurity, grandeur, and a thirst for recognition has propelled Russia through its tumultuous history. The implications of these historical narratives resonate with current geopolitical tensions, as the echoes of the Cold War still affect international relations today.

The book distinguishes itself not just through its engaging storytelling but also in its analytical depth, making it a crucial read for anyone looking to understand the intricacies of global power dynamics. With Sergey Radchenko's reputation as an authority on Cold War history, his contributions are invaluable in shaping discussions around current and future international affairs.

Event and Ceremonial Details

The ceremony honoring Radchenko will take place on April 9, 2025, at 12 PM ET, hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. The event promises to be hybrid, allowing global audiences to engage with the discussions around the award and the implications of Radchenko's research.

The Lionel Gelber Prize, established in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber, continues to play a vital role in highlighting significant literary works that tackle crucial global issues. With the continuing relevance of historical narratives in understanding contemporary events, Radchenko’s recognition stands as a testament to the importance of scholarly inquiry in global discourse.