Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted his vision of a world without nuclear weapons, his promotion of multilateral diplomacy, and dialogue and negotiations as preferred means to resolve conflicts. His outreach to the Muslim world, efforts to reduce nuclear arms, and support for combating climate change were also important factors. The award recognized both what he had done early in his presidency and aimed to encourage further progress in these areas.
Key Reasons for Award
- Strengthening international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
- Promoting nuclear disarmament and arms control negotiations.
- Creating a new climate in international relations with emphasis on multilateral diplomacy through international institutions like the UN.
- Advocating dialogue and negotiation over conflict.
- Supporting democracy, human rights, and combating climate change.
- Efforts to improve relations with the Muslim world, highlighted by his speech "A New Beginning" in Cairo.
Context of the Award
- Obama was awarded less for accomplishments achieved and more as a call to action and encouragement to further his peace efforts.
- The committee wanted to positively influence his foreign policy goals, particularly nuclear disarmament and improved international cooperation.
Thus, the Nobel Peace Prize acknowledged Obama’s early presidency efforts to foster peace and international cooperation, and served to encourage continued progress on these ambitions.
