• Source:JND
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US President Donald Trump has been nominated for the highly regarded Nobel Peace Prize by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and this may position Trump in an elite list of American presidents to have received the honor. Trump, in case he is awarded the honor, will join the likes of Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama, who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts towards international peace building.

How Does the Nobel Peace Prize Work?

The Nobel Peace Prize, established in 1895 by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, is awarded each year to a person or an organization that has "done the most or best to promote brotherhood among nations, the abolition or diminution of national armies, and the institution of peace congresses." As quoted by Jorgen Watne Frydnes, Chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, "In practice, anyone can be the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.". The prize history indicates it has been awarded to individuals of all types from across the globe."

The laureate is awarded a Nobel gold medal, a diploma, and a monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately 1.15 million USD). The prize is announced each October and is handed out during an Oslo City Hall ceremony on December 10, the date of Alfred Nobel's death.

Who Can Nominate a Candidate?

Thousands of people around the world are qualified to put forward candidates, such as heads of government, parliamentarians from national parliaments, university professors in particular subjects, and past laureates. Self-nomination is not permitted under any circumstances. Nomination lists are technically kept secret for 50 years, although nominators frequently prefer to make their selections public knowledge, such as Netanyahu with Trump's nomination.

Who Makes the Final Decision?

The choice is in the hands of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-person panel selected by Norway's parliament. Committee members, frequently former politicians, lawyers, or human rights experts, represent Norway's politics. After nominations end on January 31, committee members may submit their own candidates prior to the first meeting in February. Permanent advisers and outside experts review a shortlist before a final vote is taken, typically by consensus but a simple majority if necessary.

Will Trump's Nomination Be Honored This Year?

Based on nomination deadlines, Netanyahu's suggestion will not count toward this year's award. For eligibility in the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, Trump's nomination needs to be officially presented by January 31 of next year or included by a committee member at their inaugural annual meeting. Throughout its existence, the Nobel Peace Prize has provided ample reason for international dispute. Other controversies of note include the 1973 prize awarded to Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho for brokering a halt in the Vietnam War, which caused members to resign from the committee.

Barack Obama's 2009 prize also generated mixed views since he had only been president a few months. The award has also honored polarizing figures such as Yasser Arafat, whose 1994 prize shared with Israel's Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin caused internal conflicts.