#Canada #Toronto #International Affairs #Lionel Gelber Prize #Book Award

Jury of Experts Set to Select 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize Winner

The Lionel Gelber Prize Board has proudly announced the jury for its 36th annual award, recognizing excellence in international literature. The award is presented to the best nonfiction book published in English that tackles topics in international affairs. This year's jury features a mix of returning members and new esteemed experts in global policy.

Jury Composition

The jury will be chaired by Janice Gross Stein, a prominent figure in the realm of conflict management and the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She brings a wealth of experience, having been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of both the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario.

Joining Stein in this prestigious role are returning jurors Francis J. Gavin, a renowned scholar from Johns Hopkins University, and Iain Martin, a London-based journalist and director of the London Defence Conference. This jury will also welcome two new members to its ranks:

1. John Bew, the former Chief Foreign Policy Advisor at Downing Street, whose experience includes advising four different prime ministers and crafting significant UK national security strategies.
2. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, a professor specializing in international security issues at the Munk School, known for her focus on nuclear non-proliferation policies and her past service at the U.S. State Department.

The Essence of the Prize

The Lionel Gelber Prize was instituted in 1989 in honor of the distinguished Canadian diplomat and author, Lionel Gelber. It has since grown into a highly respected award among literary circles, offering a prize of $50,000 CAD to the winner. This accolade not only recognizes literary merit but also aims to enhance public understanding of global issues.

Books nominated must have been published in English and cover substantial subjects concerning international relations, making this prize a vital component in bringing attention to important discussions surrounding foreign policy. The shortlist of five finalists will be revealed on February 11, 2025, and the winner will be honored at a ceremony held on April 24, 2025.

A Look into the Jury Members

• - Janice Gross Stein is celebrated for her contributions to public debates as a social scientist and her extensive research into technology, public policy, and international relations.
• - John Bew, an influential historian and foreign policy expert, remains active in discussions regarding contemporary security issues, including the ramifications of AUKUS and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
• - Francis J. Gavin has been an integral part of academia and policymaking, focusing on nuclear security and international affairs that extend beyond conventional platforms.
• - Iain Martin writes some of the most insightful analyses on global security and geopolitics, and his authority in these areas strengthens the integrity of the jury.
• - Nina Srinivasan Rathbun has a broad interdisciplinary focus that integrates various aspects of global governance and national security, and her expertise will certainly add depth to the selection process.

Conclusion

With its esteemed jury, the 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize is poised to highlight essential voices in the landscape of international literature and discussions. As the due date for the shortlist approaches, anticipation grows for which titles will contend for this prestigious honor. It serves not only as a literary competition but as a beacon for fostering greater understanding of the complexities surrounding global affairs.