Barack Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Barack Obama was given the Nobel Peace Prize, and this honor presented to him confounded people around the world. Within his nine months of sitting in as president, Obama was awarded one of the most prestigious prizes ( if not the most prestigious prize a few can get their hands on to in our lifetimes). The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Obama for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." Obama was given the prize for his vision rather than his accomplishments.


The Council in their quote on Obama refers to Obama’s vision on foreign policy. Obama has opened engagement with all countries and tried to put the US in the hearts of countries around the world again- a stark contrast to the previous presidency, where G.W. Bush’s administration used force, sanctioning and confrontation to get their way. One can argue that it is more important to engage with countries of threat and risk, rather than to engage with your allies. Remember that adage, “ Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer”? Well Obama’s foreign policy is kind of based on that quote.


Although I am a supporter of his new foreign policy, I can’t help but be suspicious of it as well. Republicans are wary of his policy because as the Obama administration opens talks with dictators of the most dangerous countries in the world, such as Myanmar or Iran, he can lose the trust of the people and even the voices of the people. The US is and has always been a great proponent of the people’s vote –but we may lose their hopes if we get so caught up in the dictators’ voices rather than the people’s.




Should Obama have been given the award? Yes and No. He’s a hard worker. Sure. But usually when the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, it is given to extraordinary people for their lifetime achievement and their bodies of work. Right now we haven’t seen Obama’s vision for peace and diplomacy turn into concrete results. Until we’ve seen some of his goals turn into reality, the Nobel Peace Prize should be on hold.

I was talking to my co-worker on what she thought about Obama being handed this prestigious award- she stated something that I thought was wonderfully put. She said that Obama has already received great recognition - he’s known and lauded internationally. His voice is heard by billions all over the world, and this prize does not add anything more to his fame. Obama is the President of the United States- the most powerful country in the world- he has enough power and distinction to separate himself from the rest. There are others around the world who have done so much for mankind, yet they do not have their voices heard- they don’t have their hopes met. But with the recognition as a Nobel Laureate, they could do so much and help the people that need to be acknowledged.



Nobel Peace Prize recipients also receive a large sum of money. Now does Obama need all that money to top off his fame? I’ll let you be the judge of that one.