#Canada #Toronto #Lionel Gelber Prize #Janice Gross Stein #Munk School

Jury of Experts Announced for 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize

The Lionel Gelber Prize Board is excited to unveil the distinguished jury for the upcoming 36th Lionel Gelber Prize, a prestigious accolade that honors the best non-fiction book about international affairs in the English language. Set to be awarded on March 18, 2026, the prize will highlight influential works that explore global issues and foster understanding among readers.

Chair and Jury Members

At the helm of the jury is Janice Gross Stein, a respected authority in world politics and the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Stein is recognized not only for her academic contributions but also as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, further solidifying her stature in the field.

Joining her on the panel are notable experts from various domains:

• - John Bew: With experience as a chief foreign policy advisor at 10 Downing Street, Bew offers a wealth of knowledge in historical and current foreign policy matters. He currently serves as a professor at King's College London.
• - Nina Srinivasan Rathbun: Specializing in international security issues, Rathbun teaches at the Munk School, where she focuses on nuclear nonproliferation and Europe’s political landscape.
• - James Steinberg: The Dean of Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Steinberg’s background includes critical roles as Deputy Secretary of State and National Security Advisor.
• - Sergey Radchenko: As the 2025 Gelber Prize laureate, Radchenko contributes his insights on Cold War dynamics and the foreign policies of Russia and China.

The Legacy of the Lionel Gelber Prize

Launched in 1989 to commemorate Canadian diplomat and author Lionel Gelber, this prize rewards authors who have made remarkable contributions to understanding global affairs. Each year, the honored author receives a cash prize of $50,000 CAD, and the award is celebrated with a ceremony at the Munk School.

The jury's selection process is anticipated with great interest, as a shortlist of five exceptional books will be announced on January 14, 2026. The winner will subsequently be celebrated in a ceremony that promises to shed light on the important narratives shaping our understanding of international relations.

A Unique Panel of Experts

Judith Gelber, Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, remarked, “This panel embodies a depth of expertise and knowledge that makes the Lionel Gelber Prize truly unique and exceptional.” With such an esteemed group evaluating this year’s submissions, the 2026 award is set to reflect the ongoing evolution of international dialogue.

In anticipation of the upcoming award season, the Munk School encourages readers and scholars alike to explore the impactful works that will be nominated. As global affairs continue to intertwine with everyday life, the significance of thoughtful literature in this arena cannot be overstated.

To stay updated on the prize and for more information about the jury, visit the Lionel Gelber Prize page at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.