In response to the Gaza ceasefire, two NYT columnists Tom Friedman and Brett Stephens said that Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize. Friedman and Stephens don't know what they are talking about. Their ignorance probably indicates that neither of them and most of the public do not understand the basic criteria for awarding a Nobel Prize. A Nobel primer is in order.
Evaluation criteria for the prize have evolved to be (1) the durability of peace initiatives rather than temporary ceasefires, (2) the candidate's promotion of international fraternity and cooperation (fostering brotherhood, fellowship, and cooperative relationships between nations not antagonistic, competitive, or hostile relations), (3) consideration of the candidate's moral character and symbolic value as representatives of goodwill, (4) consideration of the candidate's humanitarian work and human rights advocacy, and (5) consideration of the candidate's institutional strengthening of peace-building mechanisms. The committee explicitly acknowledges that they consider past achievements and the potential positive effects of recognition.
So, how does Trump stack up? He might qualify on the durability criteria. He is thoroughly disqualified on criteria 2-4. For international relations, he engaged in systematic destruction of alliances. He (i) withdrew the US from multilateral agreements including the Paris Climate Accord, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the WHO during the COVID pandemic, and (ii) he was hostile with allies, openly attacking NATO allies, European Union partners, and international democratic institutions.
On criteria 3, moral character and symbolic value as a representative of goodwill, Trump is fairly close to Darth Vader, Hitler and other famous immoral/evil characters and vicious representatives of ill will. His corruption and self-enrichment are blatant. That includes extensive use of his position and power for personal financial benefit, and violation of democratic norms in his 1/6 coup attempt. On this section to the quiz, he gets a well-deserved grade of F-.
His qualifications for criteria 4, consideration of the candidate's humanitarian work and human rights advocacy, screams for itself. His "accomplishments" include fighting hard for healthcare access restrictions in the US by trying to eliminate healthcare coverage for millions through ACA repeal efforts. He was also brilliant in shafting the Palestinians by cutting all humanitarian aid to Palestinians and closing diplomatic missions. F-- here for sure. Just being fair and balanced.
Finally, regarding on strengthening peace-building mechanisms Trump is a real champ. He withdrew from international treaties and abandoned multiple peace and security agreements that took decades to negotiate. He also vehemently systematically attacked judicial independence and undermined court authority through defiance, delegitimization, threats, lies and slanders. He also engaged in vigorous dismantling of diplomatic institutions. In particular he gutted State Department capacity and eliminated diplomatic positions. But not content to stop with just those fine achievements, he did his best to destroy election integrity by attacking electoral institutions and peaceful power transfer norms. Another well-deserved F--.
There's lots more one could add to his toxic qualifications, but hopefully that conveys just a little glimpse of what a wonderful guy he is.
Q: Does Trump deserve a Nobel Peace prize?
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