Dr. Asle Toje, the vice-chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, offers an exclusive look into the world of the Nobel Peace Prize. In an interview, he discusses the committee’s challenging selection process, the evolution of the award, and the increasing relevance of peace in a world shifting back toward great power conflicts.

The Art of Arriving at Consensus

Dr. Toje reveals that the five-member committee does not vote on the prize winner; instead, they strive to reach a consensus. This process requires members to put aside their personal favorites and truly listen to each other’s reasoning. The final choice for a laureate is often a candidate who was not anyone’s first choice but was agreed upon after careful and deliberate discussion.

Peace in a Changing World

The Nobel Peace Prize has had to evolve to reflect new challenges, from civil wars to issues like women’s rights and climate change. Dr. Toje notes a troubling shift back to conflicts involving great powers, which he considers more devastating. He believes the prize is more relevant than ever in a world where few leaders are speaking out for peace. He also addressed the controversy of giving the prize to politicians, noting that while it has been a challenge since the time of Theodore Roosevelt, it is ultimately politicians who have the power to bring about real change.