Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, Sparking Debate Over Award’s Criteria
The Israeli Prime Minister’s nomination of U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize has ignited discussion surrounding the prestigious award and its often-political nature. Should Trump win, he would become the fifth U.S. president to receive the honor, joining Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.
Understanding the Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize stands as one of the world’s most esteemed accolades, recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to fostering peace and international cooperation. Established through the will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, the prize is intended for those who have “done the most or best to advance fellowship among nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies, and the establishment and promotion of peace congresses.”
According to Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Peace Prize Committee, “in practice anyone can be the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize,” highlighting the broad scope of potential nominees. The prize’s history demonstrates a willingness to recognize individuals “from all layers of society from all over the world.”
Who Can Nominate and Decide?
The nomination process is remarkably open, with thousands eligible to propose candidates. These include members of governments and parliaments, heads of state, university professors specializing in relevant fields, and previous Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Self-nominations are explicitly prohibited. While nominee lists remain confidential for 50 years, nominators are free to publicly disclose their choices.
The ultimate decision rests with the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a body of five individuals appointed by the Norwegian parliament. Committee members are frequently, though not always, retired politicians, and their composition reflects the current political landscape in Norway. Currently, the committee is led by the head of the Norwegian branch of PEN International, an organization championing freedom of expression.
The Selection Process: From Nomination to Announcement
The deadline for nominations is January 31st, meaning Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nomination of President Trump will not be considered in the current selection cycle. Committee members can submit their own nominations until their first meeting in February.
The committee then compiles a shortlist, subjecting each nominee to rigorous assessment by a team of permanent advisors and external experts. While the committee strives for unanimous agreement, a majority vote can determine the winner. The final decision is often reached just days before the public announcement, scheduled for October 10th at the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo. The formal award ceremony takes place on December 10th at the Oslo City Hall, commemorating the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
A History of Controversy
The Nobel Peace Prize has not been without its share of controversy. The award has frequently been perceived as carrying a political message, with some recipients described as “highly controversial political actors.” This has, at times, led to internal dissent within the committee itself.
Instances of disagreement include the 1973 award to U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Vietnamese politician Le Duc Tho for negotiating an end to the Vietnam War, which prompted two committee members to resign. Similarly, a member stepped down in 1994 following the joint award to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Israel’s Shimon Peres, and Yitzhak Rabin. Barack Obama’s receipt of the prize shortly after taking office also drew scrutiny.
The Prize and Its Prestige
The recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize receives a medal, a diploma, and a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.15 million). Beyond the financial reward, the prize bestows immediate global recognition and elevates the laureate’s profile on the world stage.
