Link to The American president openly covets the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming to have ended multiple conflicts. Yet experts say his chances are slim, as other contenders — including Francesca Albanese, Julia Navalnaya, and Michelangelo Pistoletto — emerge as frontrunnersThe American president openly covets the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming to have ended multiple conflicts. Yet experts say his chances are slim, as other contenders — including Francesca Albanese, Julia Navalnaya, and Michelangelo Pistoletto — emerge as frontrunners
It’s Nobel Week — the most anticipated time of the year for scientists, writers, and diplomats alike. And this Friday, attention turns to Oslo for what is often considered the most political and symbolically charged of all awards: the Nobel Peace Prize.
With ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the 2025 Peace Prize has taken on particular weight. This year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has reportedly reviewed over 330 nominations, including politicians, human rights activists, and international organizations working toward disarmament and peace.
The prize, decided by a six-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, honors individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to international peace. The names of both nominees and nominators remain confidential for fifty years — one of the traditions that adds to the mystery and prestige surrounding the award.
Trump’s Nobel Ambition
President Donald Trump has never hidden his ambition to win the Nobel Peace Prize — a goal he has publicly pursued since his first term. According to reports, he has received several formal nominations this year, including from governments that credit him for mediating diplomatic breakthroughs.
In particular, the Israeli Hostages Families Forum called on the Nobel Committee to recognize Trump’s “unwavering commitment and extraordinary leadership” in negotiating the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attacks.
However, those nominations arrived too late to be considered for the 2025 prize, as the official deadline was January 31.
Even so, Trump continues to present himself as the “President of Peace.” He has claimed to have ended “six or seven wars” during his current term, including tensions between Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, and Thailand and Cambodia. Many of these assertions remain unverified, and it is unclear whether U.S. diplomacy played a decisive role in those outcomes.
At a military event in Quantico last week, Trump once again took aim at the Nobel Committee:
“They’ll never give me the Nobel Peace Prize, even if I end eight wars. They’ll give it to someone who wrote a book,”
he said, calling the committee’s past choices “an insult.”
In June, the president told reporters that he “should have already won it four or five times,” adding,
“I’m not looking for attention. I just want to save lives.”
Why Trump’s Chances Are Low
Despite the high-profile nominations, analysts agree that Trump is unlikely to receive the award this year. The Nobel Committee traditionally favors individuals and organizations whose efforts have long-term, verifiable impacts on global peace — rather than politically contentious figures.
Still, the committee has surprised before: Barack Obama won the Peace Prize in 2009, barely a year into his first term, for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.” Earlier U.S. presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt(1906), Woodrow Wilson (1919), and Jimmy Carter (2002, post-presidency) also received the honor.
For Trump, however, timing and tone may be the biggest obstacles. His administration’s aggressive stance on border security and immigration contrasts sharply with the committee’s traditional emphasis on diplomacy, reconciliation, and humanitarian action.
Other Leading Contenders
Among the 2025 nominees, several figures stand out:
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Julia Navalnaya, economist and widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, seen by many as the new face of Russia’s pro-democracy movement.
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Francesca Albanese, Italian jurist and UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, recognized for her advocacy in international law and human rights.
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Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, for his consistent diplomatic engagement amid global crises.
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Michelangelo Pistoletto, the Italian artist and humanist, whose concept of “social art” promotes dialogue and global cooperation through culture.
The Committee’s Focus: Enduring Peace
While the world speculates, the Nobel Committee’s guiding principles remain the same: to honor those who advance “the fraternity of nations” and foster lasting peace through dialogue and cooperation.
Trump may continue to describe himself as a peacemaker — but the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to those who build bridges rather than walls, may remain an elusive dream.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati