The Nobel Committee’s Long View: Why Sustained Effort Trumped Recent Deals

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is a classic example of the committee taking the long view. In choosing María Corina Machado over Donald Trump, they have signaled that a lifetime of sustained effort towards a peaceful goal is more valuable than a series of recent, high-profile deals.
Machado’s work in Venezuela is not new. For decades, she has been a consistent voice for democracy, advocating for change through peaceful and political means. The committee’s award for her “tireless work” is a recognition of this long-term commitment.
Donald Trump’s case for the prize, however, was largely based on his actions during his presidency, particularly recent events like the Gaza ceasefire plan. His was a candidacy based on a specific, and relatively short, timeframe of activity.
The White House’s statement after the decision seemed to acknowledge this difference, focusing on what Trump will “continue” to do, framing his work as an ongoing series of actions rather than a lifelong cause.
Nobel experts often point out that the committee prefers to reward laureates whose work has stood the test of time. By selecting Machado, they have once again shown their preference for the marathon runner over the sprinter, reaffirming that the path to true peace is long and requires unwavering dedication.