Pro Pace et Fraternitate Gentium
A Comprehensive History and Analysis of the Nobel Peace Prize.
An Enduring Legacy
Arguably the world's most prestigious and politically significant award, the Nobel Peace Prize is far more than a passive honorific. Since its inception, it has functioned as an active force, capable of conferring immense legitimacy, shaping global narratives, and provoking intense political controversy. Its history chronicles the world's struggles for peace, justice, and human dignity, reflecting our evolving understanding of these concepts.
At its core lies a profound paradox: an award dedicated to peace was founded upon the vast fortune of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist and inventor of dynamite. This inherent tension prefigures the complex and often contentious legacy it has forged over more than a century.
I. The Genesis of the Prize
Nobel's Will & Vision
In 1895, Alfred Nobel bequeathed his fortune to establish five prizes for those who "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind," designating one for "fraternity between nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses."
Motivations
Nobel's motives were likely twofold: his friendship with pacifist Bertha von Suttner, and a desire to counterbalance his legacy as the inventor of dynamite, shaping his memory towards peace promotion rather than warfare.
Why Norway?
Nobel entrusted the Peace Prize to a Norwegian committee, separating it from the Swedish prizes. This may have been due to Norway's less militaristic traditions and its parliament's active role in promoting peaceful conflict resolution.
II. The Selection Process
Sept - Jan: Nomination
A nomination period opens for thousands of qualified individuals worldwide, including government members, professors, and former laureates. The deadline is January 31.
Feb - Mar: Short List
The Norwegian Nobel Committee reviews all nominations and creates a short list of the most promising candidates for in-depth assessment.
Mar - Aug: Adviser Review
Permanent and external advisers prepare detailed reports on the short-listed candidates, providing expert analysis for the committee.
Oct: Announcement
The final decision is made, and the laureate is announced on the Friday of the first full week of October.
Dec 10: Ceremony
The laureate receives the medal, diploma, and prize money at a formal ceremony in Oslo City Hall on the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.
The 50-Year Secrecy Rule
All information about nominations and deliberations remains sealed for 50 years. This protects the committee from political pressure and ensures the integrity of the process.
III. The Evolving Concept of Peace
| Era | Dominant Interpretation of "Peace" | Key Laureate Examples | Rationale / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901-1939 | Interstate Peace & Pacifism: Focus on international law, arbitration, and diplomacy to prevent war. | Frédéric Passy (1901), Woodrow Wilson (1919) | Directly reflects Nobel's will. |
| 1944-1960s | Humanitarianism & Institutionalism: Focus on alleviating suffering and building international institutions. | ICRC (1944, 1963), George Marshall (1953) | Establishes that caring for victims of conflict is integral to peace. |
| 1960s-1980s | Human Rights & Anti-Colonialism: Focus on individual dignity and rights within nations as a precondition for peace. | Martin Luther King Jr. (1964), Desmond Tutu (1984) | Radically expands "peace" to include internal justice, challenging oppressive regimes. |
| 1990s-Present | Democracy, Environment & Expanded Rights: Focus on democracy, environment, and women's rights for long-term stability. | Wangari Maathai (2004), Malala Yousafzai (2014) | Reflects a holistic, "positive peace" model defined by rights and sustainability. |
IV. A Legacy of Contention
| Laureate(s) / Year | Stated Rationale | Nature of Controversy | Global Impact / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Kissinger & Lê Đức Thọ (1973) | For negotiating the Paris Peace Accords to end the Vietnam War. | Accusations of being a "War Prize"; Kissinger's role in bombing Cambodia; Thọ's refusal of the award. | Two committee members resigned. The Vietnam War continued until 1975. |
| Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres & Yitzhak Rabin (1994) | For their efforts to create peace in the Middle East via the Oslo Accords. | Arafat's history of armed struggle; the accords ultimately failed to achieve a lasting peace. | Criticized as premature and overly optimistic after the accords broke down. |
| Aung San Suu Kyi (1991) | For her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights in Myanmar. | Later, her failure as state counsellor to condemn the persecution of the Rohingya minority. | Became the primary example of a "tarnished" laureate. Sparked debate on revoking prizes. |
| Barack Obama (2009) | For his efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation. | Awarded just nine months into his presidency, seen as rewarding "promise" over "achievement." | Highlighted the committee's strategy of using the prize to encourage a political agenda. |
| Mahatma Gandhi (Omission) | N/A (Nominated 5 times) | The "greatest omission" in Nobel history. Reasons debated: potential anti-colonial bias, his assassination. | The committee has publicly expressed regret. A key critique of the prize's historical limitations. |
V. The "Nobel Effect"
A Global Platform
The prize confers unparalleled moral authority, transforming activists and organizations into globally recognized voices. Desmond Tutu noted, "'One day no one was listening. The next, I was an oracle'."
Empowering Dissidents
For laureates under authoritarian regimes, the prize can be a lifeline, offering a measure of protection by focusing the world's attention. This was seen with laureates like Liu Xiaobo in China.
Provoking Backlash
Challenging powerful states often triggers severe diplomatic and economic backlash. The 1935 prize to Carl von Ossietzky enraged Hitler, while the 2010 prize to Liu Xiaobo froze China-Norway relations for years.
Shaping Global Norms
The prize empowers "norm entrepreneurs" who advance new standards of conduct. By awarding work on environmentalism or human rights, the committee helps make these issues central to the definition of peace.
Conclusion: A Moral Compass & a Political Tool
The history of the Nobel Peace Prize shows that its power stems from its dual nature. It acts as a moral compass precisely because it is a political tool, strategically deployed to influence global events. Its flexible interpretation of "peace" has allowed it to evolve from preventing interstate war to promoting the foundational pillars of a just world: human rights, democracy, and sustainability.
While its history is marked by controversy and fallible judgments, its legacy is one of empowering courageous individuals and shaping the very norms that define our modern pursuit of peace. In the 21st century, it remains a courageous, if imperfect, participant in the making of history.