The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was a contest between two opposing forces: the grassroots power of a national activist and the global power of a former U.S. President. In a decision that resonates with the prize’s history, grassroots activism triumphed, with the award going to María Corina Machado.
Machado’s victory was built on years of dedicated work within Venezuela, fostering unity and advocating for democracy from the ground up. The Nobel committee honored this deep, internal work, recognizing it as the foundation of true and lasting peace.
Donald Trump, on the other hand, represented the exercise of power on the world stage. His candidacy was based on his ability to command attention, disrupt norms, and broker deals between nations, most recently with his Gaza ceasefire plan.
The White House’s response to his loss underscored this top-down worldview, celebrating his “sheer force of will” and ability to “move mountains.” It depicted him as a singular force acting upon the world, a stark contrast to Machado’s collaborative approach.
By choosing Machado, the Nobel committee has reaffirmed its belief that peace is not something that can be imposed by the powerful. Rather, it must be cultivated by the people, through tireless effort, unity, and an unwavering demand for justice and rights.
Grassroots vs. Global Power: How the Nobel Was Won and Lost
