Interview about the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Transcript

G Listat, Secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Thank you very much for talking about the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize with us. My pleasure. Thank you. I think I described the response to the announcement that Barack Obama was receiving the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize as a collective sharpening take a breath. Was was that the sort of reaction you were e... Read More

Summary

In this video, Galen, the spokesperson for the Norwegian Nobel Committee, discusses the decision to award the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama. They explain that Obama has met the criteria set by Alfred Nobel's will, including fraternity between nations, reduction in standing armies, and the holding of peace Congress's through international diplomacy. Galen believes that Obama has produced a new international climate and emphasizes the importance of the UN, dialogue, negotiations, arms control, disarmament, climate agreements, democracy, and human rights. They address concerns about awarding the prize early in Obama's term and respond to criticisms about his involvement in wars. The Committee hopes that the Peace Prize will encourage and support Obama's efforts in promoting peace.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the response to the announcement of Barack Obama receiving the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize?

The response to the announcement was a collective sharp intake of breath. While there have been various reactions, many have approved of the decision, and some were surprised. The Committee is still gathering reactions from all over the world.

Q: Why did the Norwegian Nobel Committee decide to award the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama?

The decision to award Obama the prize is based on Alfred Nobel's will, which states that the prize should be for achievement in the preceding year. The Committee believes Obama meets the criteria set by the will, such as fostering fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, and holding peace Congress's through international diplomacy.

Q: Can you provide more details about Obama's contributions to peace?

Obama has produced a new international climate. He has emphasized the importance of the UN and multilateral institutions, dialogue and negotiations, arms control and disarmament, climate agreements, democracy, and human rights. These ideals align with the Norwegian Nobel Committee's principles, and they want to support Obama in producing concrete results based on these ideals.

Q: Has the Nobel Peace Prize ever been awarded to a leader in their early term of office?

According to Alfred Nobel's will, the prize is supposed to be awarded for achievements in the preceding year. While it's not common for awards to be given so early in a leader's term, there have been similar examples. For instance, Oscar Arias received the prize a few months after producing a peace plan for Central America.

Q: Is there a concern that awarding the prize to Obama early in his term will increase expectations?

There is a recognition that awarding the prize to Obama early in his term may raise expectations for someone already under high expectations internationally and domestically. However, the Committee believes in supporting their laureates and standing by them, regardless of future achievements.

Q: How do you respond to criticisms about awarding the prize to Obama given his involvement in wars?

The United States, as a superpower, is bound to be involved in complex situations. The Committee does not dictate specific actions in these situations, but they point to the importance of the principles Obama stands for, which they believe are relevant to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee looks forward to seeing what concrete actions Obama takes in these specific situations.

Q: What specific message does the Nobel Peace Prize Committee want to transmit by awarding the prize to President Obama?

The deeper message behind awarding the prize to Obama is that he strongly follows the ideals of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which they have been supporting for 108 years. It is a recognition of his work and an encouragement to continue along these lines, even if there may be failures along the way.

Q: What does the Committee hope to achieve with this Peace Prize?

The Committee hopes that the Nobel Peace Prize can influence the world in the direction Obama represents. They have realistic expectations and understand that the prize is not a magic wand that can transform the world. However, they believe it can provide encouragement and added support to Obama's cause.

Q: Have you had a chance to speak to President Obama?

The Committee has not yet spoken to President Obama directly, but they have received a preliminary reaction from him, expressing gratitude for the recognition.

Takeaways

The decision to award the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama generated a mixed response of approval and surprise. The Norwegian Nobel Committee believes that Obama's actions align with the criteria set by Alfred Nobel's will. They see Obama as a spokesperson for the ideals they have been supporting for over a century, including fraternity between nations, arms reduction, and peace through international diplomacy. Despite concerns about awarding the prize early in his term and criticisms regarding his involvement in wars, the Committee stands by their decision and hopes it will encourage and support Obama in his pursuit of peace.