On April 25, Robin Wright, noted author, journalist, and joint USIP-Woodrow Wilson Center fellow, was recognized by the Overseas Press Club (OPC) for her recent book Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Middle East. Wright received the OPC’s Cornelius Ryan Award, which recognizes the best non-fiction book on international affairs.
On April 25, Robin Wright, noted author, journalist, and joint USIP-Woodrow Wilson Center fellow, was recognized by the Overseas Press Club (OPC) for her recent book Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Middle East. Wright received the OPC’s Cornelius Ryan Award, which recognizes the best non-fiction book on international affairs.
Rock the Casbah "captures a pivotal moment in history with superb on-the-ground reporting across the Middle East that reflects her decades of experience covering the region,” according the OPC citation.
Wright, who has reported from more than 140 countries as a foreign affairs correspondent, stated that, "The Overseas Press Club awards have been the book ends of my professional life. I won my first OPC in 1976 for 'the best reporting in any medium requiring exceptional courage and initiative' for covering wars in Africa. I’m delighted to win an award this time for covering the emergence of non-violence in the Middle East."
“The U.S. Institute of Peace is proud of this enormous accomplishment," commented Abi Williams, USIP senior vice president. "Robin’s book provides invaluable context for understanding the dramatic changes in the Islamic world.”
That understanding is also enhanced by The Islamists Are Coming, a new volume edited by Wright that examines the history, politics and challenges of rising Islamic groups throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
Wright was also recognized earlier this year with the Cyrus Vance Award for advancing the knowledge of diplomacy and with the Ryan C. Crocker Global Citizen of the Year award.