Trends in Nobel Peace Prizes in the Twentieth Century

In: Peace & change: PC ; a journal of peace research, Volume 26, Issue 4, p. 433-442

Abstract

This article uses quantitative data to point to some overall trends in the awarding of Nobel Peace Prizes during the twentieth century. Insofar as it is available, data is drawn from four categories of people, corresponding to four stages in choosing Nobel laureates: the nominators, the initial group of candidates, the nominees on the committee's short list for thorough consideration, and the laureates themselves. Twentieth‐century trends include an increase in the number of nominees and in the consistency of awards made, a growth in the recognition of international institutions, a broadening of awards beyond their initial European and U.S. locus, and an increasing recognition of women peace advocates.