How Vladimir Putin Became a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee

The Russian president is one of many nominated for the prize. Here's how the process works.

The Nobel Prize committee is meeting this month to consider the candidates for the peace prize—including Vladimir Putin.

Putin, who ordered 16,000 Russian soldiers to invade Ukraine in late February, is a nominee for the prize that has previously been awarded to Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mother Theresa.

The unlikely nomination raises questions: How does someone get nominated for a peace prize? Who put forth Putin's name—and why? And could he actually win?

Nominees for some prizes, including science, medicine, and economics, are solicited from professional and academic organizations. The peace prize, however, will accept any nomination from a "qualified nominator." That could be a member of a national government, a professor of social science, or a

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet