#Canada #Toronto #Lionel Gelber Prize #Janice Gross Stein #Iain Martin

The 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize: An International Jury's Task

The Lionel Gelber Prize, an important literary award dedicated to recognizing the best English-language book on international affairs, is proud to announce its international jury for the 2025 edition. This prestigious award seeks to identify exemplary works that contribute to the understanding of global issues, showcasing insights that resonate across borders.

Jury Composition

The jury for the 36th annual Lionel Gelber Prize will be chaired by none other than Janice Gross Stein, a prominent figure in the realm of global affairs. Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management and the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. Her expertise and dedication to public dialogue in social sciences make her an ideal leader for this remarkable group.

Joining Stein is a seasoned panel of judges, including returning jurors Francis J. Gavin and Iain Martin. Gavin serves as the Giovanni Agnelli Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and previously held significant roles at the MIT and the University of Texas. His knowledge on security studies and law will lend depth to the jury’s deliberations.

French journalist and author Iain Martin brings his perspectives from London. Martin, a columnist for The Times and director of the London Defence Conference, is well-versed in geopolitical matters, broadening the jury's comprehension of international literature.

Two new esteemed additions to the jury for 2025 are John Bew and Nina Srinivasan Rathbun. Bew, a former senior foreign policy adviser at 10 Downing Street, adds a wealth of governmental experience and academic insight to the jury. His familiarity with the UK’s national security strategies and international relations equips him well for the task ahead.

Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, a professor at the Munk School, specializes in international security and non-proliferation policies. Her extensive knowledge of US foreign policy dynamics, particularly in areas like nuclear non-proliferation, is invaluable to the jury's mission.

Award Details

Founded in 1989 in honor of Canadian diplomat and author Lionel Gelber, this prestigious award not only acknowledges literary excellence but also promotes rigorous examination of international concerns through the lens of authorship. The prize comes with a monetary award of CAD 50,000 for the selected title, fostering support for authors dedicated to elucidating complex global narratives.

The jury will select a shortlist of five books, to be announced on February 11, 2025. The prize ceremony, highlighting the winner and celebrating international thought leadership, will take place on April 24, 2025. This pivotal event will gather scholars, authors, politicians, and enthusiasts of global affairs under one roof, engaging in discussions that matter.

Broader Impact

The Lionel Gelber Prize holds significance beyond just literature; it fosters a deeper understanding of international relations, urging readers to reflect on the intricate web that connects us all globally. The involvement of such a distinguished jury underscores the importance of integrating diverse viewpoints in unveiling the narratives that shape our world.

As we look forward to the 2025 prize, anticipation builds for what innovations and insights these authors will bring to the forefront, giving readers the chance to reimagine their perspectives on pressing issues.

In a world that is continuously evolving, the Lionel Gelber Prize remains a beacon of intellectual pursuit and scholarly achievement. The announcement of the jury symbolizes a renewed commitment to excellence in international literature, guiding, and inspiring future generations.

Navigating through a landscape filled with challenges, the contributions awarded and recognized by this prize will undoubtedly enrich global discussions on diplomacy, security, and cooperation.

For more information about the Lionel Gelber Prize and updates on nominations and events, please visit the official Munk School website.