Expert Panel Unveils Shortlist for Prestigious 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize
On February 24, 2026, an esteemed international panel consisting of journalists, scholars, and practitioners announced the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize. This prestigious award honors the finest English-language publication focusing on international affairs and has garnered significant attention in the literary and academic communities alike.
The shortlist features five remarkable titles:
1. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert (Penguin Press)
Sven Beckert, a prominent historian and professor at Harvard University, examines the intricate evolution of capitalism across the globe. His prior work, _Empire of Cotton_, won the Bancroft Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in economic history.
2. House of Huawei: The Secret History of China's Most Powerful Company by Eva Dou (Portfolio)
Eva Dou, a seasoned technology journalist, delves into the inner workings of Huawei, exploring its rise to power and impact on the global technology landscape. Previously, she reported for prestigious outlets such as The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
3. How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey (Princeton University Press)
As a thought leader at the intersection of technology and socio-economic policy, Frey investigates how technological advancement shapes nations positively and negatively. His expertise is reflected in his previous book, _The Technology Trap_.
4. King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson (Signal/McClelland Stewart)
Veteran war correspondent Scott Anderson offers an in-depth exploration of the Iranian Revolution, dissecting the miscalculations that led to its tumultuous consequences through his rich narrative style honed over years of reporting from conflict zones.
5. Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin (Yale University Press)
Gavin’s work provides an essential framework for understanding international relations from a historical perspective, making it a significant contribution to both scholars and practitioners in global affairs.
Judith Gelber, Chairman of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, emphasized the significance of the diverse subjects covered in this year's selections. "These selections reflect a multifaceted exploration of the forces that drive human progress. They remind us of the critical importance of historical insight in shaping our strategies for future endeavors," she stated.
The jury responsible for this year’s selection comprises distinguished academics and experts, including Jury Chair Prof. Janice Gross Stein, alongside Prof. John Bew from London, Prof. Sergey Radchenko from Cardiff, James Steinberg from Washington, and Prof. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun from Toronto.
The excitement surrounding the award escalates as the winner of the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize is set to be announced on March 30, 2026. The winning author will be celebrated at a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy on April 15, 2026.
Since its inception in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber, the Lionel Gelber Prize has stood as a beacon for excellence in non-fiction literature dedicated to international affairs. The award, which carries a cash prize of $50,000 CAD, is presented annually by the University of Toronto's Munk School.
For more information on the Lionel Gelber Prize, including details on past winners and entries, visit their official website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates. The 2026 shortlist certainly showcases the rich tapestry of thought and research that continues to inform our understanding of global relations and the intricate world we navigate.
The shortlist features five remarkable titles:
1. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert (Penguin Press)
Sven Beckert, a prominent historian and professor at Harvard University, examines the intricate evolution of capitalism across the globe. His prior work, _Empire of Cotton_, won the Bancroft Prize and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in economic history.
2. House of Huawei: The Secret History of China's Most Powerful Company by Eva Dou (Portfolio)
Eva Dou, a seasoned technology journalist, delves into the inner workings of Huawei, exploring its rise to power and impact on the global technology landscape. Previously, she reported for prestigious outlets such as The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
3. How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey (Princeton University Press)
As a thought leader at the intersection of technology and socio-economic policy, Frey investigates how technological advancement shapes nations positively and negatively. His expertise is reflected in his previous book, _The Technology Trap_.
4. King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson (Signal/McClelland Stewart)
Veteran war correspondent Scott Anderson offers an in-depth exploration of the Iranian Revolution, dissecting the miscalculations that led to its tumultuous consequences through his rich narrative style honed over years of reporting from conflict zones.
5. Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin (Yale University Press)
Gavin’s work provides an essential framework for understanding international relations from a historical perspective, making it a significant contribution to both scholars and practitioners in global affairs.
Judith Gelber, Chairman of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, emphasized the significance of the diverse subjects covered in this year's selections. "These selections reflect a multifaceted exploration of the forces that drive human progress. They remind us of the critical importance of historical insight in shaping our strategies for future endeavors," she stated.
The jury responsible for this year’s selection comprises distinguished academics and experts, including Jury Chair Prof. Janice Gross Stein, alongside Prof. John Bew from London, Prof. Sergey Radchenko from Cardiff, James Steinberg from Washington, and Prof. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun from Toronto.
The excitement surrounding the award escalates as the winner of the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize is set to be announced on March 30, 2026. The winning author will be celebrated at a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy on April 15, 2026.
Since its inception in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber, the Lionel Gelber Prize has stood as a beacon for excellence in non-fiction literature dedicated to international affairs. The award, which carries a cash prize of $50,000 CAD, is presented annually by the University of Toronto's Munk School.
For more information on the Lionel Gelber Prize, including details on past winners and entries, visit their official website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates. The 2026 shortlist certainly showcases the rich tapestry of thought and research that continues to inform our understanding of global relations and the intricate world we navigate.
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