Trump’s ‘peace’ pitch and the Nobel Prize paradox

Announcements for the coveted Nobel Prize, awarded across several categories from physics to literature and peace, will begin from Monday and conclude on October 13.

- Agencies

The Nobel committee was met with criticism in 2009 for giving then-US President Barack Obama the peace prize barely nine months into his first term.

(AFP FILE)

The Nobel Peace Prize, which is set to be announced on Friday, is one of the most prestigious honours, awarded to those who have made significant contributions to advancing peace and resolving conflicts. Over the years, it has recognised quiet diplomacy, long-term efforts, and lasting impacts on global harmony. Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump has consistently positioned himself as a contender for the award, often highlighting his role in resolving multiple conflicts. despite widespread scepticism from experts and observers.

He has been nominated several times by people within the US as well as politicians abroad since 2018. His name also was put forth in December by US Representative Claudia Tenney, her office said in a statement, for his brokering of the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states in 2020.

Longtime Nobel watchers say Trump's prospects remain remote despite a flurry of highprofile nominations and some notable foreign policy interventions for which he has taken personal credit.

Trump's boasts and previous high-profile nominations make him the blockbuster name on the list of bookmakers' favourites. But it's unclear whether his name comes up in conversation when the five-member Nobel committee, appointed by Norway's parliament, meets behind closed doors.

A person cannot nominate themselves.

Experts say the Norwegian Nobel Committee typically focuses on the durability of peace, the promotion of international fraternity and the quiet work of institutions that strengthen those goals.

Trump's own record might even work against him, they said, citing his apparent disdain for multilateral institutions and his disregard for global climate change concerns.