The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, long considered the world's highest honour for diplomatic achievement, finds itself embroiled in controversy once again as historical records reveal Barack Obama's 2009 award ranks among the most disputed in the institution's 120-year history.
A Premature Honour?
Fresh analysis of Nobel Prize archives places Obama's Peace Prize alongside other contentious awards, including Bob Dylan's 2016 Literature Prize and the omission of humanitarian icon Mother Teresa. The revelations have reignited debate about the selection committee's criteria and timing.
Obama received the honour merely nine months into his presidency, with the committee citing his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." However, critics immediately questioned whether the award was given for actual achievements or optimistic promises.
Historical Company in Controversy
The former US president finds himself in surprising company. Music legend Bob Dylan's literature award provoked similar debate, with some literary purists arguing song lyrics shouldn't qualify for the traditionally book-focused prize.
Meanwhile, the absence of Mother Teresa from the Peace Prize laureates list continues to baffle historians and the public alike, given her decades of humanitarian work in Kolkata's slums.
Enduring Questions About Nobel Legacy
These controversies highlight persistent questions about how the Norwegian Nobel Committee exercises its considerable influence. Some experts argue the awards sometimes prioritize political statements over measurable achievements, while others defend the committee's right to recognise potential and inspiration.
As new Nobel laureates continue to be announced each year, the shadow of these controversial decisions serves as a reminder that even the world's most respected prizes aren't immune to scrutiny and debate about their lasting legacy.
