Judith Gelber, Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board, has announced that the 2026 Lionel Gelber Prize has been awarded to Thinking Historically: A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy by Francis J. Gavin, published by Yale University Press. Selected by an international panel of journalists, practitioners, and scholars, the prize recognizes the best English-language book on global affairs each year. It is presented by the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, with the winner receiving a $50,000 award.

Janice Gross Stein, Chair of the jury, praised the book as especially relevant in today’s climate of overlapping global crises and uncertainty. She highlighted how Gavin demonstrates the value of historical thinking in revealing insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The winning book was chosen from a strong shortlist that included King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation by Scott Anderson; Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert; House of Huawei: The Secret History of China’s Most Powerful Company by Eva Dou; and How Progress Ends: Technology, Innovation and the Fate of Nations by Carl Benedikt Frey.

The 2026 jury consisted of Janice Gross Stein (Chair), John Bew, Sergey Radchenko, James Steinberg, and Nina Srinivasan Rathbun.

In its citation, the jury described Gavin’s work as a deeply insightful yet accessible exploration of historical thinking. Rather than focusing on history as a series of events, the book emphasizes a broader historical mindset—one that embraces complexity, uncertainty, and multiple perspectives. The jury noted that Gavin encourages readers to move beyond simple, linear explanations and instead engage with interconnected causes and evolving interpretations. Through a series of thoughtfully crafted chapters, the book fosters greater empathy and understanding, offering valuable perspective on contemporary global challenges. The jury even suggested it surpasses E.H. Carr’s The Twenty Years’ Crisis in helping readers make sense of today’s world.

The Lionel Gelber Prize ceremony and lecture are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Established in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber, the prize is awarded annually by the Lionel Gelber Prize Board in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. The award carries a cash prize of $50,000 CAD.

Click here to register online.

What's your story? Tell us about yourself and your career journey so far.
My career began in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, where I worked as a contingent employee providing policy and Workday-related support via phone, live chat, and email. While I didn’t initially plan to pursue a career in the private sector, the experience proved invaluable. Interacting with thousands of employees worldwide instilled in me a strong customer service ethic and an appreciation for adhering to strict procedures.

Later, I transitioned into a more technical role, providing tier 1 and eventually tier 2 Workday support, with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) as the primary stakeholders. Working in a global organization with 300,000 employees introduced me to diverse cultural perspectives, particularly Korean work culture, and inspired innovative thinking. Today, I’m fortunate to be part of GoDaddy, where I am continuously supported and encouraged to grow.
 
What's the most challenging yet rewarding thing you've worked on at GoDaddy?
For me, the challenge isn’t tied to any single project but lies in the consistent approach to problem-solving. Every issue requires creativity, whether through exploring Workday Community, collaborating with colleagues, or conducting extensive testing. The most rewarding aspect is discovering the best technical solution after relentless trial and error, knowing that the effort directly impacts the success of our team and company.
 
What makes the GoDaddy HRIS team unique compared to others you've worked on?
Our team is truly multinational, spanning different time zones and working entirely remotely. Despite never meeting in person, we collaborate seamlessly and deliver results as though we were in the same room. This dynamic challenges us to leverage technology as a tool for productivity rather than a dependency.

Another standout feature is the supportive culture fostered by our manager. We are encouraged to explore diverse career development paths and innovate within our roles. Additionally, GoDaddy’s emphasis on work-life balance has significantly improved my productivity and well-being. For example, physiotherapy supported by the company helped resolve my lower back pain, allowing me to focus better at work.
 
What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in HRIS analysis?
If you enjoy analyzing data, uncovering patterns, and solving puzzles that have real-world implications, HRIS analysis might be the perfect path for you. My advice is to embrace continuous learning. This field bridges the gap between complex HR policies, processes, and technology by transforming them into a seamless, interactive system.

Feedback from stakeholders and employees provides a constant opportunity for improvement. Even small, incremental changes can evolve into significant advancements over time, so stay curious and adaptable as technology progresses.
 
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m passionate about research and writing, particularly in the area of my PhD specialization: international relations, focusing on "Powers and Perceptions in the Asia-Pacific Region." My approach combines realist constructivist theory with foreign affairs analysis, and I enjoy exploring subjects like history, philosophy, sociology, political science, and literature.

To relax, I love taking long urban walks with my wife, during which we capture photos, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy coffee or boba tea. Spending time with my two Shiba Inus is also a source of great joy.

In my downtime, I enjoy video games, with favorites like the Total War series, Europa Universalis, The Witcher, and Cyberpunk 2077. My musical tastes range from K-pop to progressive death metal, and I also enjoy concerts, music theory, and practicing sports such as tennis, football, handball, kendo, kenjutsu, HEMA, and calisthenics.