Geopolitical Economy Report

War is peace: How the Nobel 'Peace' Prize justifies US wars & interventions

Jan 20, 2026
María Corina Machado's controversial gift of a Nobel Prize to Trump shines a light on the award's troubling ties to war and intervention. The discussion unveils Trump's extensive bombing record and the prize's role in supporting US foreign policy, with past laureates like Kissinger and Obama serving as prime examples. The conversation dives into the National Endowment for Democracy's influence and highlights regime-change activities disguised as peace efforts. The episode critiques the commodification of the Nobel Prize, questioning its integrity amid geopolitical agendas.
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INSIGHT

Prize As A Political Instrument

  • The Nobel Peace Prize often serves political aims rather than genuine pacifism, according to Ben Norton.
  • Norton argues the prize manufactures consent for U.S. wars by rewarding regime-change operatives.
ANECDOTE

Machado Hands Prize To Trump

  • María Corina Machado gave her 2025 Nobel Prize to Donald Trump after he bombed Venezuela and helped overthrow Maduro.
  • She praised Trump's "principled and decisive action" for securing a "free Venezuela," per Norton.
INSIGHT

Trump's Expanded Bombing Record

  • Norton claims Trump bombed more countries than any other U.S. president, expanding U.S. military aggression.
  • He lists threats and attacks on multiple countries to illustrate escalating imperial reach.
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