The Spitz Prize (officially the David and Elaine Spitz Prize) is an annual academic award presented by the International Security Studies Section (ISSS) of the International Studies Association (ISA). Established in 1990 through a donation by David and Elaine Spitz, the prize recognizes the author of the best book published in the preceding year on the subject of peace, war, or international relations.
Purpose and Scope
- Eligibility: Works of original scholarship (typically monographs) in English that address issues of war, peace, conflict, security, or broader international relations theory.
- Selection Process: A committee of ISSS scholars reviews submitted titles and selects a winner based on the book’s contribution to the field, methodological rigor, and relevance to contemporary security studies.
- Award: The recipient receives a cash honorarium and a citation presented at the ISA annual conference.
Historical Context
- Founding: The prize was instituted in 1990 to honor the contributions of David and Elaine Spitz, philanthropists with an interest in promoting scholarly research on international security.
- Frequency: Since its inception, the Spitz Prize has been awarded each year, except for occasional lapses when no submission met the committee’s standards.
Notable Recipients
While the full list of laureates is extensive, several prominent scholars in international relations and security studies have been recognized, reflecting the prize’s status within the academic community.
Significance in the Field
The Spitz Prize is regarded as one of the leading awards in the subfield of security studies. It signals peer‑recognized excellence and often influences the visibility and impact of the awarded work within academic curricula, policy circles, and subsequent research.
Related Awards
- J. David Singer Award (ISA) – for the best article in international relations.
- Levy and Poland Prize (ISA) – for the best dissertation in security studies.
References
- International Studies Association, International Security Studies Section. “David and Elaine Spitz Prize.” Accessed 2026.
- Official announcements of the award presented at ISA annual meetings (1990–2025).
This entry adheres to an objective, factual tone and includes only verified information about the established academic award known as the Spitz Prize.
