illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: President Donald Trump is intensifying efforts to win the Nobel Peace Prize, positioning himself as a global peacemaker amid active involvement in the Ukraine conflict and other international negotiations
• However, at least three of the five Norwegian Nobel Committee members have publicly criticized Trump, creating a major obstacle to his nomination prospects
• The skepticism comes despite vocal support from foreign leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
🔭 The context: Trump has long pursued the Nobel Peace Prize, with past nominations tied to initiatives like the Abraham Accords
• The current committee, appointed by Norway’s parliament and comprised of political and civil society figures, operates independently
• Key members, such as committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes, have expressed concerns over Trump’s record on media freedom and international cooperation — values central to Alfred Nobel’s vision
• The nomination window for 2025 has closed, making an award this October unlikely
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The Nobel Peace Prize is a powerful symbolic endorsement of global leadership and commitment to peace
• Trump’s candidacy raises questions about the evolving criteria for such recognition in an era of populist diplomacy and fragmented multilateralism
• While direct negotiations with adversaries may achieve breakthroughs, critics argue that sustained peace relies on institutional trust, rule of law, and global cooperation — principles Trump has often undermined
⏭️ What's next: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in October, with the shortlist reportedly favoring candidates such as Qatar’s Prime Minister and the International Criminal Court
• Trump’s team may shift focus to the 2026 prize, banking on continued involvement in Ukraine peace talks and support from allied leaders
• Yet ongoing criticism from Nobel Committee members suggests that even renewed diplomacy may not overcome institutional resistance to his candidacy
💬 One quote: “While maybe the White House could brand President Trump as a peacemaker-in-chief, remember that genuine peace is measured over time, and it rarely rests on one leader alone.” — Nina Graeger, Director, Peace Research Institute Oslo
📈 One stat: Just 7% of Norwegians said they would vote for Trump over Kamala Harris in a 2024 poll — highlighting his limited appeal in the country that decides the prize
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