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International Panel Unveils 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize Shortlist

The anticipation for the prestigious Lionel Gelber Prize continues to grow as an international panel of experts in journalism, academia, and various fields has revealed the shortlist for the 2025 award. This announcement marks the 35th iteration of a prize that honors the standout English-language book focused on international affairs.

The winner, to be disclosed on March 19, 2025, will walk away with a significant cash prize of $50,000 CAD. The esteemed shortlist this year includes five compelling titles, each offering profound insights into historical and geopolitical dynamics:

1. Dollars and Dominion: US Bankers and the Making of a Superpower by Mary Bridges (Princeton University Press)
- In this book, historian Mary Bridges explores the critical role U.S. multinational banks played in shaping global capitalism and American influence in the early 20th century. Her work delves into how these financial institutions navigated trade finance while maintaining ties to the U.S. government. Currently serving as a research fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center, Bridges enables readers to understand the intricate connection between finance and foreign policy.

2. The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq by Steve Coll (Penguin Random House)
- Award-winning journalist and author Steve Coll, a previous Lionel Gelber Prize recipient, presents a deeply analytical look into the factors leading to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. He draws upon his extensive journalistic experience to unravel the complex interactions between intelligence agencies and foreign policy.

3. The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War by Tim Cook (Penguin Random House Canada)
- Tim Cook, Chief Historian at the Canadian War Museum, paints a vivid narrative of North American cooperation during World War II. His research highlights the collaborative spirit between Canada and the U.S. as they confronted fascism, a pertinent lesson in international solidarity.

4. To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement by Benjamin Nathans (Princeton University Press)
- Benjamin Nathans offers a nuanced perspective on the Soviet dissident movement, reflecting on the diverse lives intertwined in its struggle against oppression. Nathans’ expertise in Jewish history enriches this exploration of resilience against totalitarianism.

5. To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power by Sergey Radchenko (Cambridge University Press)
- Radchenko’s insightful analysis showcases the broader geopolitical strategies employed by Russia during the Cold War. As a distinguished professor, he provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the implications of Soviet foreign policy today.

Judith Gelber, Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, shared her excitement about the shortlist, noting that the chosen works dive deep into historical narratives crucial for understanding today's global interactions. The jury, made up of distinguished figures like Prof. Janice Gross Stein, Prof. John Bew, Prof. Francis J. Gavin, Iain Martin, and Prof. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, sought to include books that challenge and expand current geopolitical perspectives.

The winning author will participate in a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy on April 9, 2025, where they will discuss their work in greater detail. Founded by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber in 1989, this prize aims to enhance public understanding of significant global issues through literature. To learn more, interested readers can visit the prize’s website at gelber.munkschool.utoronto.ca.

As the date of the award presentation approaches, the literary and academic communities eagerly await the announcement and the event that will celebrate the intersection of literature and international affairs.