#Canada #Toronto #Lionel Gelber Prize #Janice Gross Stein #Global Affairs

Lionel Gelber Prize 2026 Jury Announcement

The Lionel Gelber Prize, an esteemed recognition for English-language non-fiction that addresses international issues, has unveiled its jury for the 2026 edition. With its founding in 1989, this annual award celebrates works that contribute significantly to the understanding of foreign affairs. The prestigious committee is led by Janice Gross Stein, a highly respected Canadian expert in global policy and founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto.

Joining Stein in this prestigious role are notable figures including John Bew, the former senior foreign policy advisor at Downing Street, Nina Srinivasan Rathbun, an international security expert and a faculty member at the Munk School, James Steinberg, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and Sergey Radchenko, the Wilson E. Schmidt Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins. Radchenko is also the recipient of the 2025 Lionel Gelber Prize. Judith Gelber, chair of the board, praises the jury's diverse expertise, which is vital in making this award uniquely significant.

This jury embodies a wealth of knowledge and experience in international relations, bringing a collective understanding to the evaluation process. Janice Gross Stein emphasizes the importance of such a panel, stating that it reflects the prize's unique capability to highlight exceptional works in foreign literature. The prize aims not only to reward the author but also to stimulate broader conversations about international affairs.

The Lionel Gelber Prize rewards the winning author with a substantial sum of 50,000 Canadian dollars, underscoring the award's commitment to recognizing impactful literature. This year's jury will review submissions, and five shortlisted books will be announced on January 14, 2026. The winner of the award will be disclosed on March 18, 2026, followed by a ceremony and conference in April, creating a platform for dialogue around critical global issues.

The Jury Members:

1. Janice Gross Stein (Toronto)
- Renowned for her contributions to conflict management and recognized by both the Royal Society of Canada and as a Member of the Order of Canada, Stein's expertise includes international relations and public policy.

2. John Bew (London)
- Serving at the highest levels of British government, Bew currently holds a position as a professor at King's College London, specializing in history and foreign policy.

3. Nina Srinivasan Rathbun (Toronto)
- A prominent scholar in international security, Rathbun focuses on non-proliferation policies and European integration, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the jury.

4. James Steinberg (Washington)
- A former deputy national security advisor, Steinberg's experiences span various facets of U.S. foreign policy, providing critical insights into international relations.

5. Sergey Radchenko (Cardiff)
- As an expert in Cold War history and security studies, Radchenko adds a nuanced understanding of contemporary international dynamics to the jury.

The Lionel Gelber Prize not only enhances literature surrounding international relations, but it also serves as a catalyst for discussion regarding critical issues shaping our global landscape. Through the efforts of its esteemed jury, the prize continues to uphold its mission of recognizing transformative literary contributions to international discourse.

For more details about the award and upcoming events, please visit gelber.munkschool.utoronto.ca.