Nobel Peace Prize haunted by the 'spectre' of Trump

Donald Trump's aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize win appear unlikely, yet his presence looms large over Friday's announcement in Oslo. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, aware of the intense scrutiny it will face, must grapple with the potential ramifications of awarding the prize to someone who has vocally campaigned for it.

Trump's campaign against Iran, territorial ambitions, and attacks on international institutions and the media have damaged his chances. However, with the world in turmoil, featuring 65 armed conflicts in 2025, it is conceivable that the committee will select a laureate that garners broad consensus. Candidates such as Save the Children, Ukrainian activist Mykola Kuleba, or the International Criminal Court could be contenders, depending on the committee's stance on potentially creating harm through the award.

Nobel historian Asle Sveen suggests that the current global order, dominated by figures like Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, opposes an international system. This sentiment underscores the committee's need to consider the potential consequences of bestowing the prize upon someone who may be seen as creating harm rather than promoting peace.