"When Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, less than a year into his first term, he said he was humbled and undeserving of it. The committee cited his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy." But his subsequent decisions to send more troops to Afghanistan and wage a bombing campaign via drone would darken the glow of Oslo's optimism."
"The Nobel Prize medal has always carried a symbolic weight far beyond its gold content, but in recent years it has also become a mirror for political anxieties, presidential legacies, and staggering wealth. Some critics argue that the Nobel Committee embarrassed Barack Obama by honoring him too early in his presidency, but the Norway-based awarding panel seems determined to keep Donald Trump away from the honor."
The Nobel Prize medal functions as a symbol of moral authority and monetary value, intersecting with politics and presidential ambition. The awarding process can shape reputations and provoke controversy, as seen when Barack Obama received the Peace Prize early in his presidency and later faced criticism for subsequent military decisions. The Norway-based committee has resisted awarding Donald Trump, while some leaders seek the prestige and may make policy choices influenced by desire for recognition. Physical Nobel medals have sold for tens of millions, demonstrating that ceremonial honors can translate into vast financial value and be transferred through auctions.
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