Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Aspirations Are Unlikely
One thing is almost certain about the Nobel Peace Prize for this year: Donald Trump will not win it, despite his desire. But then, who will receive it?
The Norwegian Nobel Committee will clear up the mystery when they announce the winner this Friday at 11:00 AM in Oslo (3:00 AM CDMX).
Context of Global Conflicts
The context is discouraging: the number of armed conflicts involving at least one state has never been as high in 2024 since the University of Uppsala, Sweden, began its global conflict database in 1946.
Trump’s Claims and Expert Opinions
Trump claims he deserves the prestigious award for resolving “eight conflicts,” but experts dismiss his chances of being chosen, at least this year.
“No, not this year,” declared Professor Peter Wallensteen from Sweden, an international affairs expert, to AFP. “Maybe next year? By then, the situation in his various initiatives, including the Gaza crisis, will be clearer.”
Several experts consider Trump’s self-proclaimed pacifist claims exaggerated and express concern over the consequences of his “America First” policies.
“Beyond attempting to negotiate peace for Gaza, we have seen policies that actually go against the intentions and what is written in Alfred Nobel’s will, especially promoting international cooperation, fraternity among nations, and disarmament,” said Nina Graeger, director of the Oslo Peace Research Institute.
Trump withdrew the US from international entities and multilateral treaties, launched trade wars against allies and rivals, threatened to take Greenland, deployed the National Guard in US cities, attacked academic freedom at universities, and threatened press freedom with lawsuits against certain media outlets.
Non-Controversial Option
This year, 338 individuals and organizations were nominated for the peace prize, a list that remains confidential for 50 years.
Tens of thousands of people can propose candidates, including legislators and cabinet members from all countries, past laureates, some university professors, and members of the Nobel committee.
In 2024, the Nihon Hidankyo group of Japanese atomic bombing survivors was awarded for their efforts against nuclear weapons.
Potential Candidates
With no clear favorite, several names are circulating in Oslo before Friday’s announcement.
The Emergency Response Teams in Sudan, a network of volunteers risking their lives to help people amidst war and famine, as well as Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, have been mentioned.
The Nobel Committee’s recent selections show “a return to more micro, closer-to-classic peace ideas,” focusing on “human rights, democracy, press freedom, and women,” noted Halvard Leira, director of the Norwegian Institute for International Affairs.
“My hunch would be a non-controversial candidate for this year,” Leira said.
The Nobel Committee might also reaffirm its commitment to a world order currently threatened by Trump by awarding the prize to UN Secretary-General António Guterres or a UN body like the UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee support agency.
The International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, or organizations defending press freedom like the Committee to Protect Journalists or Reporters Without Borders could also be chosen.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is unlikely to win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize? Donald Trump, according to experts and the context of global conflicts.
- How many people were nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize? 338 individuals and organizations were nominated.
- What are some potential candidates for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize? The Emergency Response Teams in Sudan and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, are among the mentioned candidates.
- What factors does the Nobel Committee consider when choosing a laureate? The committee prioritizes actions contributing to peace, considering the overall organization or personality and their alignment with Nobel’s ideals.
