Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Published by Pegasus Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
A revelatory examination of the Nobel Peace Prize—the most prestigious, admired, and controversial honor of our time.
The Nobel Prize, regardless of category, has always been surrounded by politics, intrigue, even scandal. But those pale in comparison to the Peace Prize.
In Betraying the Nobel, Norwegian writer Unni Turrettini completely upends what we thought we knew about the Peace Prize—both its history and how it is awarded.
As 1984’s winner, Desmond Tutu, put it, “No sooner had I got the Nobel Peace Prize than I became an instant oracle.” However, the Peace Prize as we know it is corrupt at its core.
In the years surrounding World War I and II, the Nobel Peace Prize became a beacon of hope, and, through its peace champions, became a reference and an inspiration around the world. But along the way, something went wrong. Alfred Nobel made the mistake of leaving it to the Norwegian Parliament to elect the members of the Peace Prize committee, which has filled the committee with politicians more loyal to their political party’s agenda than to Nobel’s prize's prerogative. As a result, winners are often a result of political expediency.
Betraying the Nobel will delve into the surprising, and often corrupt, history of the prize, and examine what the committee hoped to obtain by its choices, including the now-infamously awarded Cordell Hull, as well as Henry Kissinger, Al Gore, and Barack Obama. Turrettini shows the effects of increased media attention, which have turned the Nobel into a popularity prize, and a controversial and provocative commendation.
The selection of winners who are not peace champions according to the mandates of Alfred Nobel’s will creates distrust. So does lack of transparency in the selection process. As trust in leadership and governance reaches historic lows, the Nobel Peace Prize should be a lodestar. Yet the modern betrayal of the Nobel’s spirit and intentions plays a key role in keeping societal dysfunctions alive.
But there is hope. Betraying the Nobel will show how the Nobel Peace Prize can again become a beacon for leadership, a catalyst for change, and an inspiration for rest of us to strive for greatness and become the peace champions our world needs.
The Nobel Prize, regardless of category, has always been surrounded by politics, intrigue, even scandal. But those pale in comparison to the Peace Prize.
In Betraying the Nobel, Norwegian writer Unni Turrettini completely upends what we thought we knew about the Peace Prize—both its history and how it is awarded.
As 1984’s winner, Desmond Tutu, put it, “No sooner had I got the Nobel Peace Prize than I became an instant oracle.” However, the Peace Prize as we know it is corrupt at its core.
In the years surrounding World War I and II, the Nobel Peace Prize became a beacon of hope, and, through its peace champions, became a reference and an inspiration around the world. But along the way, something went wrong. Alfred Nobel made the mistake of leaving it to the Norwegian Parliament to elect the members of the Peace Prize committee, which has filled the committee with politicians more loyal to their political party’s agenda than to Nobel’s prize's prerogative. As a result, winners are often a result of political expediency.
Betraying the Nobel will delve into the surprising, and often corrupt, history of the prize, and examine what the committee hoped to obtain by its choices, including the now-infamously awarded Cordell Hull, as well as Henry Kissinger, Al Gore, and Barack Obama. Turrettini shows the effects of increased media attention, which have turned the Nobel into a popularity prize, and a controversial and provocative commendation.
The selection of winners who are not peace champions according to the mandates of Alfred Nobel’s will creates distrust. So does lack of transparency in the selection process. As trust in leadership and governance reaches historic lows, the Nobel Peace Prize should be a lodestar. Yet the modern betrayal of the Nobel’s spirit and intentions plays a key role in keeping societal dysfunctions alive.
But there is hope. Betraying the Nobel will show how the Nobel Peace Prize can again become a beacon for leadership, a catalyst for change, and an inspiration for rest of us to strive for greatness and become the peace champions our world needs.
Product Details
- Publisher: Pegasus Books (November 3, 2020)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781643135656
Raves and Reviews
"Betraying the Nobel describes in detail the fallacies of past selections. This is an excellent book.”
– Michael Nobel, from the Foreword
“Impressive. Filled with extensive research and insights. Turrettini’s style is clear and readable and the analysis is targeted and supported. A compelling, frightening, and worthy read.”
– The Huffington Post, praise for The Mystery of the Lone Wolf Killer
“The author's argument has wide application. An urgent but evenhanded treatise that deserves a wide readership.”
– Kirkus Reviews
Turrettini had written a brilliant, illuminating story that delves into the history of the Nobel Peace Prize to reveal how corruption and media attention have reduced one of the most prestigious honors into little more than a popularity contest. If there's one book to read this year, it's Betraying the Nobel.
– Samina Ali, author of Madras on Rainy Days and curator of “Muslima”
"Winning the Nobel Peace Prize brings instant global acclaim. It is surely the world's most prestigious award. But in Betraying the Nobel, Norweigian author Unni Turrettini goes beyond headlines and cliches to reveal a deeper and more troubling story of how a handful of politicians in one country decide who will be honored with the Prize. Turrettini's book is a tour de force of investigative research, subtle analysis and balanced reporting. It is essential reading for any citizen who wants to understand global politics--and should be assigned for study in foreign ministries and universities around the world."
– Ambassador Derek Shearer (former US ambassador to Finland), Chevalier Professor of Diplomacy and Director of the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Occidental College
The author, who is unafraid to point out the shortcomings of many of her subjects, admits that Nobel left significant flexibility for interpretation: The prize should go “to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses. 221; In addition to examining some of the “tarnished” reputations involved with the prize, the author also explores the inherent sexism in the process...
– Kirkus Review Clippings
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Betraying the Nobel eBook 9781643135656
