The Nobel Prize, among the world’s most prestigious awards, was established by Swedish engineer Alfred Nobel in his will, with the first awards presented in 1901. The prize is conferred upon individuals or organizations for exceptional contributions to humanity in literature, science, economics, and peace. Its selection criteria rest on groundbreaking achievements and impactful service to society.
However, like many significant global decisions, Nobel Prize selections are not free from controversy. Of the 627 awards given so far, 68 have been criticized for their questionable merit. The Nobel Peace Prize, in particular, often stirs debate because it directly addresses the lives of people in conflict zones. To date, 142 laureates have received the Peace Prize, including icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa, whose efforts have transformed societies. Yet, recipients such as Cordell Hull (1945), Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho (1973), and the trio Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres, and Yasir Arafat (1994) remain controversial. Critics also question the 2009 award to Barack Obama, which came just months into his presidency, with no significant peace initiatives to his name. Some recipients, including Le Duc Tho, even declined the award or expressed feelings of unworthiness.
Should moral and ethical standards play a greater role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize?
For the second consecutive time, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2026, supported by various individuals and organizations. This year, a Republican congressman cited Trump’s role in brokering an Iran-Israel ceasefire as grounds for the nomination. Endorsements have also come from a Ukrainian politician, an Israeli-born professor, and the government of Pakistan. Pakistan’s official statement reads:
“President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi, which de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation. This intervention stands as a testament to his role as a genuine peacemaker.”
The nomination has sparked intense global debate. Trump has claimed that his efforts in negotiating ceasefires between India and Pakistan, Israel and Iran, and his involvement in the 2020 ‘Abraham Accord’ between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, demonstrate his worthiness for the Peace Prize. Supporters argue these initiatives underscore his role as a peacemaker.
However, critics are unconvinced. They question the legitimacy of Trump’s claims, noting that India disputes the assertion that the U.S. brokered any ceasefire with Pakistan. Additionally, Trump’s alleged impartiality in the Israel-Iran conflict is under fire, as he is accused of siding with Israel and even bombing Iran during the tensions. His staunch support for Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, coupled with the U.S. veto of UN resolutions aimed at halting violence there, has further fueled opposition. Many also blame Trump for worsening global tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, and for destabilizing trade by violating World Trade Organization rules with tariff wars against China and other countries.
The nomination has even divided Pakistani leaders. Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign committee, withdrew his support for Trump’s nomination, citing a complete loss of faith in Trump’s ability to foster peace. Former Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., Maleha Lodhi, labeled Pakistan’s endorsement of Trump “unfortunate,” urging the government to rescind its recommendation. Former senator Mushahid Hussain echoed this sentiment, stating:
“Since Trump is no longer a potential peacemaker, but a leader who has willfully unleashed an illegal war, the Pakistan government must review, rescind, and revoke his Nobel nomination.”
A JUI-F senator has since submitted a resolution to Pakistan’s National Assembly to withdraw Trump’s nomination. Journalist Zahid Hussain also criticized the government’s decision, calling it “pathetic.”
Beyond the debate over Trump, a larger question looms: Should moral and ethical standards play a greater role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize? While some laureates have refused the award out of humility or a sense of undeservedness, the Nobel Foundation’s selection criteria continue to draw scrutiny.
The writer is a Professor of Management & Social Sciences.