Who Won The Nobel Peace Prize? Past Winners & History

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, honoring individuals and organizations who have done the most to promote peace. Since its inception in 1901, the prize has been awarded to a diverse group of recipients, each with a unique story of dedication to peace. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Nobel Peace Prize, including its history, selection process, notable winners, and more.

Key Takeaways

• The Nobel Peace Prize recognizes individuals and organizations who have contributed significantly to peace.
• The prize was established by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, in his will.
• Winners are selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.
• Notable winners include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Nelson Mandela.
• The prize has sometimes been controversial, reflecting differing views on peace and conflict.

Introduction

The Nobel Peace Prize stands as a beacon of hope, recognizing those who have strived to create a more peaceful world. Awarded annually, it celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of peace, whether through conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, or other impactful efforts. Understanding the history, criteria, and significance of this esteemed award provides valuable insight into the ongoing pursuit of global peace.

What & Why the Nobel Peace Prize Matters

The Nobel Peace Prize is an annual award given "to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. The other prizes are in Chemistry, Physics, Literature, and Physiology or Medicine. — Seattle Weather In December: What To Expect

Historical Context

Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament on 27 November 1895 in Paris. Much of his fortune was designated for the establishment of the Nobel Prizes. Nobel's motivations for creating the peace prize are debated, but some believe it stemmed from his remorse over the destructive applications of his inventions. The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901.

Benefits of the Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize brings numerous benefits, including:

• Recognition: It provides global recognition for the recipient's work and cause.
• Financial Award: The prize includes a substantial monetary award (currently 11 million Swedish krona), which can be used to further the recipient's work.
• Platform: It offers a platform to advocate for peace and influence global policy.
• Inspiration: It inspires others to work towards peace and justice.

Potential Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its prestige, the Nobel Peace Prize has faced criticism and controversies:

• Subjectivity: The definition of "peace" is subjective, leading to debates over the selection criteria.
• Political Influence: Accusations of political influence in the selection process have surfaced.
• Omissions: Some notable peacemakers have been overlooked, sparking controversy.
• Impact Assessment: Evaluating the long-term impact of a recipient's work can be challenging.

How the Nobel Peace Prize Selection Works

The process of selecting a Nobel Peace Prize laureate is rigorous and involves multiple stages, ensuring that the most deserving candidates are recognized for their contributions to peace.

Nomination Process

Each year, thousands of individuals and organizations are invited to submit nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. These nominators include:

• Members of national assemblies and governments
• Members of international courts
• University professors of history, social sciences, philosophy, law, and theology
• Directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes
• Former Nobel Peace Prize laureates
• Members of organizations that have received the Prize

Nominations must be submitted by January 31st of the award year. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Selection Committee

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, consisting of five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (Storting), is responsible for selecting the laureate. The committee reviews all nominations and conducts thorough research and evaluation.

Deliberation and Shortlisting

The committee deliberates on the nominations, considering the candidates' contributions to peace and their impact. A shortlist of the most promising candidates is created for further evaluation.

Investigation and Reports

The committee commissions reports from experts in relevant fields to assess the candidates' work and achievements. These reports provide in-depth analysis and help the committee make informed decisions.

Final Decision

The committee meets to discuss the reports and deliberate further. A final vote is taken, and the laureate is selected by a unanimous decision or a majority vote.

Announcement and Award Ceremony

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is announced in October. The award ceremony takes place on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, in Oslo, Norway. The laureate receives a Nobel diploma, a medal, and a document confirming the prize amount.

Examples & Use Cases: Notable Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Over the years, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to a diverse array of individuals and organizations, each with a unique story and contribution to the cause of peace. Examining some notable winners provides insight into the breadth of work recognized by the prize.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1964)

Awarded the prize for his nonviolent struggle for civil rights in the United States, Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement transformed American society and inspired movements for equality worldwide. His commitment to nonviolence and social justice made him an iconic figure in the fight for human rights.

Mother Teresa (1979)

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in helping suffering humanity. As the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, she dedicated her life to caring for the poor, sick, and marginalized in India and around the world. Her selfless service and compassion made her a symbol of humanitarianism.

Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk (1993)

Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk jointly received the prize for their work in ending apartheid in South Africa. Mandela, a leader of the anti-apartheid movement, spent 27 years in prison for his activism. De Klerk, as President of South Africa, initiated the reforms that led to the dismantling of apartheid. Their collaboration paved the way for a democratic South Africa.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) (2017)

ICAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work in drawing attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and for its ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons. The organization's advocacy has been crucial in raising awareness about the dangers of nuclear proliferation. — CVS Oaklawn Avenue In Cranston, RI: Everything You Need

Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov (2021)

These journalists were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the Philippines and Russia. Maria Ressa, co-founder of the news website Rappler, has been a vocal critic of the Philippine government. Dmitry Muratov is the editor-in-chief of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. Both have faced significant challenges and threats for their work.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes in Peacemaking

Peacemaking is a complex and multifaceted endeavor, requiring a delicate balance of diplomacy, understanding, and commitment. Examining best practices and common mistakes can offer valuable lessons for those working towards peace.

Best Practices

• Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging all parties in a conflict in open and honest dialogue is crucial for finding sustainable solutions.
• Addressing Root Causes: Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of conflict, such as inequality, injustice, and historical grievances, is essential for long-term peace.
• Nonviolent Approaches: Prioritizing nonviolent methods of conflict resolution, such as mediation, negotiation, and diplomacy, can prevent further escalation and bloodshed.
• Building Trust: Fostering trust between conflicting parties is essential for successful peacemaking. This can be achieved through confidence-building measures and sustained engagement.
• International Cooperation: Collaboration among nations, international organizations, and civil society groups can provide resources, expertise, and support for peace efforts.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring Grievances: Failing to acknowledge and address legitimate grievances can undermine peace efforts.
• Imposing Solutions: Imposing solutions without the consent of all parties can lead to resentment and renewed conflict.
• Lack of Inclusivity: Excluding key stakeholders from the peace process can jeopardize its success.
• Premature Withdrawal: Withdrawing support or engagement too early can undermine fragile peace agreements.
• Focusing on Short-Term Gains: Prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability can lead to the recurrence of conflict.

FAQs About the Nobel Peace Prize

1. What is the Nobel Peace Prize? The Nobel Peace Prize is an annual award given to individuals or organizations who have done the most or the best work for peace.

2. Who established the Nobel Peace Prize? The prize was established by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, in his will.

3. Who selects the Nobel Peace Prize laureate? The Norwegian Nobel Committee, appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, selects the laureate.

4. How are nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize submitted? Nominations are submitted by invited nominators, including members of national assemblies, international courts, university professors, and former laureates.

5. When is the Nobel Peace Prize awarded? The award ceremony takes place on December 10th, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, in Oslo, Norway.

6. What does the Nobel Peace Prize include? The prize includes a Nobel diploma, a medal, and a monetary award. — Waimea Bay Weather: Surf, Forecasts & Park Info

Conclusion with CTA

The Nobel Peace Prize serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace and the individuals and organizations dedicated to achieving it. By understanding the history, selection process, and significance of the prize, we can better appreciate the ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world. Learn more about past laureates and their impactful work by visiting the official Nobel Prize website. Consider supporting organizations dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in your own community and around the world.

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Last updated: October 26, 2023, 16:35 UTC