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The Exciting Announcement of the Lionel Gelber Prize 2026 Shortlist

On February 24, 2026, an esteemed international jury composed of practitioners, journalists, and scholars unveiled the shortlist for the prestigious Lionel Gelber Prize. This award honors the best English-language book on international affairs published in the preceding year. The selected titles reflect a vast array of topics and insights regarding global challenges and historical perspectives.

The finalists for the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize are as follows:

1. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert (Penguin Press)
2. Huawei: The Secret History of China's Most Powerful Company by Eva Dou (Portfolio)
3. How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey (Princeton University Press)
4. King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution by Scott Anderson (Signal/McClelland & Stewart)
5. Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin (Yale University Press)

Judith Gelber, chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize, remarked, "The jury's selection underscores the broad spectrum of forces that shape human progress. These books highlight the importance of understanding the past to recognize opportunities for the future."

Insight into the Finalists

Each finalist offers a unique narrative that contributes invaluable insights into contemporary global issues.

• - Sven Beckert, renowned for his expertise in economic history, delves into capitalism's evolution and impact across the globe in Capitalism: A Global History. His previous notable work, Empire of Cotton, received the Bancroft Prize and was a Pulitzer Prize finalist, further solidifying his status in the field.

• - Eva Dou, reporting on technology politics for The Washington Post, explores Huawei’s influence in Huawei: The Secret History of China's Most Powerful Company. Her deep dive into the company's operations provides a critical lens on technology governance and international relations.

• - Carl Benedikt Frey, a prominent voice on artificial intelligence and labor issues at Oxford University, examines the implications of technological advancements in How Progress Ends. His analysis underscores the intersection of innovation and national destiny, addressing both potential benefits and dangers.

• - Veteran journalist Scott Anderson narrates the saga of Iran's revolution in King of Kings, detailing the hubris and miscalculations that characterized this pivotal period in history. His extensive reporting from regional conflict zones lends a substantial authenticity to his storytelling.

• - Lastly, Francis J. Gavin presents Thinking Historically, serving as a guide for understanding the complexities of statecraft and strategy in a globalized world. His work emphasizes the significance of historical context in shaping diplomatic strategies and policy decisions.

Award Ceremony and Prize Money

The jury responsible for selecting this year’s shortlist included notable scholars and practitioners: Prof. Janice Gross Stein (Chair), Prof. John Bew, Prof. Sergey Radchenko, James Steinberg, and Prof. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun. The winner of the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize will be announced on March 30, 2026, during a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. The prize comes with a cash award of 50,000 CAD, recognizing the contribution of writers to enriching the discourse surrounding international affairs.

Established in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber, the Lionel Gelber Prize celebrates the finest non-fiction writing focused on international relations. For more details about the award and its history, interested readers can visit the Lionel Gelber Prize website and follow updates on social media platforms under @gelberprize.

This award not only acknowledges individual achievements in literature but also fosters a greater understanding of the complexities within global governance and the multifaceted nature of humanity’s shared narrative.