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Special Report
A Prize to Die For
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 may be the surest sign that Europe, the project, is failing.
The committee appointed by the Norwegian parliament to select the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, in keeping with the instructions of Alfred Nobel, did its job this year and named the winner: the European Union. If this were a tennis contest you would hear the famous line, “You cannot be serious,” and if it were baseball the Bronx cheers would be pouring down from the bleachers intermingled with cries of “Kill da umpire!” In football, you would have to assume the replacement refs were still on the job. But this is neither football nor baseball nor tennis, it is politics.
Why Norwegians? The technical answer is that when the Swedish chemist and industrialist Alfred Nobel wrote the endowment into his will in 1895, Norway and Sweden shared some of their government functions. They had separate parliaments, however, and Nobel may have felt the pols in Oslo would be perceived as more politically impartial seeing as how they would be distributing Swedish money. But the interesting question is why the judgment of Norwegian parliamentarians should carry so much weight after over a century of choices without criteria of the kind that are used to measure scientific achievements.
The answer is that it does not carry as much weight as the interest raised every year by the event suggests. Nothing happens when Al Gore wins. Possibly Mother Teresa received more donations for a time after she won but not much improved in Calcutta’s hard-up neighborhoods.
In short, the prize committee partakes of the follies expected of political choices. Past recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize include Yasser Arafat, a terrorist, and Le Duc Tho, an apparatnik in a Stalinist regime composed of mass killers. The best justification one can put on these choices is that these figures took part in negotiations, with their enemies (Shimon Peres, Yitzak Rabin for the first, Henry Kissinger for the second), who shared the prize with them, which arguably led to cessations of hostilities, or at least lulls, in continuing wars.
But this is not convincing. Soon after getting his prize, Le Duc Tho joined his comrades in ordering a final assault on the Republic of Vietnam; it was successful, as by then the U.S. Congress had passed legislation making it impossible for any American government to come to the aid of its embattled ally or even supply it with ammunition. It led to bloodbaths throughout Indochina; more exactly, it completed the bloodbaths the Communists had been giving the peoples of Indochina since the 1940s.
Henry Kissinger and his boss, President Richard Nixon, may have been honorable men doing the best they could, or they may have been engaged in a cynical game of Realpolitik, as some of their detractors on the right have alleged. I personally believe they fought the good fight as long as they could. That is another story, however; the point here is that in terms of promoting peace, abolishing standing armies or what-all, which Nobel specified were the criteria for awarding the prize, Kissinger was, notably in Vietnam, unsuccessful. So why give him a prize?
Because of politics. It got into the minds of successive generations of Norwegians that the Nobel Peace Prize could and should be used to encourage — what? Trends and fashions that they, the committee members, approve of or wish for. In Oslo you can fantasize about Bertha von Suttner as a force for peace. An impoverished Austrian princess of some sort, a writer and Tolstoyan pacifist and, not incidentally, a friend of Alfred Nobel, she took the prize in 1905, with absolutely no consequence whatsoever on women’s writing, peace activism, or vegetarianism, which — I have to look this up — she may well have favored. She was the type.
In Oslo you can fantasize about a man like Le Duc Tho becoming fraternal and even friendly with a man like Henry Kissinger, or you can believe Yasser Arafat has a profound and heartfelt interest in the well-being of the Jewish people, maybe even their right to live in peace in their own country. On a lesser order of delirium, you can convince yourself a woman named Rigoberta Menchu really advanced peace and human decency in Guatemala, even though much of her work was pure fable. You can hope that the election of Barack Obama means peace is about to envelop the entire globe and the human race is going to follow the Ten Commandments to a man.
Note that in the case of our 44th president, the Norwegians displayed the whole nine yards of corruption that characterizes the Nobel Peace Prize. No reflection on Barack Obama, who after all did not ask for it, but the intellectual corruption of giving a prize for work toward peace that might happen was compounded by the political corruption of wanting to reward the American voters who elected a president of whom the Norwegians approved — neither of which remotely fit the criteria set down by Alfred Nobel in his will regarding the awarding of the prize.
(What he willed was that the prize be awarded to individuals who have done the most or the best work to promote solidarity among nations, reduce standing armies, and promote peace conferences. Admittedly these do not define the kinds of criteria one can use to evaluate work in medicine or physics or chemistry or even literature or, dismally, economics. But, in a perhaps exaggerated form, this is what the whole racket has come down to.)
In the case of Europe, the peace prize has some substance in the sense that Europe has avoided the kinds of wars that, from 1789 onward, and particularly in the successive civil wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45, very nearly brought civilization as we know it to an end and certainly diminished the role of the European peoples in the continuing work of sustaining and advancing civilization. But what does this really mean? Were Europeans too exhausted to keep on killing one another, or was the European Union a factor in bringing them to their senses?
It should be understood that the European Union represents the capture of the European movement by what Marxists might call a bureaucratic-statist class of functionaries and that Mr. Tyrrell might call the closest thing to American Liberals known to Europe. What began in the 1950s as a cooperative union in key mining, industrial, and agricultural sectors and that was expected to move toward a customs union and, perchance, something “ever closer” to federalism, turned into a machinery of bureaucratic regulation of all aspects of economic, and by derivation social, life.
The European movement, putting aside its medieval antecedents (the Holy Roman Empire and all that), was in its beginnings a conservative movement. It foresaw, in the early years of the 20th century, that forces of unreason and fanaticism and revolution and class hatred and race hatred and plain hatred were loose. Count Coudenhove-Kalergi, in the 1920s, launched the modern idea of a union of European nations and peoples that would overcome the ancient hatreds and fears that sundered the Old World. Kalergi, a quite astonishingly original man of the old Austro-Hungarian mittel-Europa, spoke most civilized languages and was indefatigable in his promotion of an alliance of elites to overcome the great dangers unleashed by the convergence of massive economic emancipation and democratic demagoguery. His justified fear was that the totalitarian state would harness these new economic and political forces and centralize all power. He based his political program on the commonsensical observation that the key to European peace was to end the historic and disastrous rivalry between France and Germany, a rivalry that seemed to permit the unending accumulation of military and political power by those nations’ central governments. Europe, the political entity, would allow for substantial restoration of power to localities that were submerged by the state.
This was, too, the premise of the three men who created the present-day Europe, the political entity overtaking the geographical one. Konrad Adenauer, Maurice Schumann, and Alcide de Gasperi shared two important biographical details: they were Catholics, and they came from the frontier lands of their countries — Adenauer and Schumann were Rhinelanders (on the German and French sides, respectively), and de Gasperi was a Tyrolian. Weak attachments, not to say resistance, to the centralizing mania of Paris or Berlin or Rome, combined with a faith that allowed them to transcend parochial passions — probably one of the reasons they were, in fact, so good in their early years as champions of their local constituencies — made them appreciative consumers of the kinds of ideas promoted by the Pan-European movement of Kalergi and others.
The main practical issue, of course, was to end the cycle of wars for the control of the coal mining regions, the forests, the agricultural valleys and the vineyards, the crafts and trading centers, of the old Lotharingian axis that ran from Bruges and Bruxelles toward northern Italy, passing through rich Flemish, Rheinish, and Burgundian lands. Adenauer and Schumann and de Gasperi were Christian Democrats, wary of schemes of salvation by means of politics alone. They were sharply conscious of the communist threat — the Soviet divisions a few hundred miles away and the militant pro-Soviet parties within their own countries.
About the Author
Roger Kaplan, a Washington-based writer, covers the Middle East and Africa (and tennis) for The American Spectator.
Darin| 10.15.12 @ 7:08AM
Yet more proof the Nobel Peace prize is useless. Yassar Arafat got it, apparently for wanting peace so much that he murdered thousands of Jews. Barack Obama got it for making speeches (he STILL hasn't done anything to warrant the prize). And now the Eurpean Union gets it for good intentions.
Moe Blotz| 10.15.12 @ 11:24AM
What you have failed to notice, Darin, is that the Nobel Peace Prize is now awarded according to the candidate's appeasement efforts. Results no longer count.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 7:29AM
All of the Left's Awards are merely an extension of their Effeminate Inner Girl, and one more reason to have a Party with Pretty Boys and Girls like themselves, with the Nobel being the worst of them all.
If these Norwegian Homos' Ancestors were alive today? They would cut them all in twain with their Battleaxes.
If Alfred Nobel were here? He'd Blow them all to Kingdom Come. (And no, Alan. Not that kind of Blowing)
The Oscars. The Emmies. The Tonies. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. It's a wonder no one's gotten Aids from touching these things.
They give the Oscar to the Movies that NOBODY goes to.
To Plays that NOBODY goes to.
The Pulitzers to Papers that NOBODY Subscribes to, and "Reporters" that NOBODY reads.
Nobody, but THEM.
The Uber Rich 1%ers who live in Hollywood, and Manhatten, and Vacation in The Hamptons, at Monaco, and in the South Of France.
They have Homes in London, and Paris, and Italy. Access to Private Jets, Luxurious Yachts, and Palacial Winter Wonderland Chalets, all over the world.
They have Chauffeur Driven Limousines to take them to and from the latest Occupy Protests, where they can express their OUTRAGE that They have Everything, while everyone else in the Crowd has nothing.
"Down with the Rich! Down with the 1%! Down with Me, and everyone I know!"
So, who gives a Fck, what they think?
Give me a RAZZIE, any day.
They can stick all the other ones up their @sses.
Which is probably what they do with these things, anyway.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.15.12 @ 8:45AM
"The Pulitzers to Papers that NOBODY Subscribes to, and "Reporters" that NOBODY reads..."
...for stories that they mostly made up..."
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 10:18AM
Actually, I was most proud of - "Down with the Rich! Down with the 1%! Down with Me, and everyone I know!"
Now, where's my RAZZIE?
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.15.12 @ 8:45AM
"The Pulitzers to Papers that NOBODY Subscribes to, and "Reporters" that NOBODY reads..."
...for stories that they mostly made up..."
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 9:00AM
I heard ya the first time.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.15.12 @ 2:08PM
Please pardon me for repeating myself, I was warming up.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the winning entry of the American Specter (the award statuette in the shape of a ghost with an American flag as part of the robes) is Timothy L. Pennell, for his efforts in increasing the fellowship and awareness of his fellow commenters through the implementation of the weekly contest here. Not only have his efforts helped expand its various contributors’ knowledge and abilities regarding film, poetry and song, and provided entertainment for its participants and spectators, but it has also contributed to the economy in the form of increased purchases of Yuengling and Warsteiner Dunkle, replacement bicycle seats, combs, lingerie and laptop batteries.
Unfortunately, the cash prize that goes with the award has been deemed unearned income by the Obama Administration and taxed at a rate of 100%. Nonetheless, as soon as our Sculptor finishes the Specter statuette, it will be winding its way through the parcel system, in order to properly adorn your mantel.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 2:25PM
I'm told that the Statuette will be in the Form of Carrie Fischer's Legs, attached to her New Plastic Hips, with her Feet adorned with her Orthopedic Shoes.
That's what I heard.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.15.12 @ 3:50PM
All of that, but covered in a ghost like robe...
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 7:25PM
Be nice, Tim, you know how computers can repeat the post.... :-)
In 2008, in Medscape, I predicted that Europe was a dead man walking and heading toward economic collapse. (I read Steyn, then looked up the numbers myself)
No kids, no social welfare state. This is why Gold is a great investment even if Romney wins---Europe's crash will keep the price up. It's also why I invest in Phillip Morris even though I'm an MD---they sell cigarettes overseas to people I want to poison, and I suspect that they will keep purchasing them for 20 years or so.
John II| 10.16.12 @ 1:39AM
Arthur Koestler wrote a famous essay about Europe in 1946, right after World War II. The opening sentence has a metaphor you'd appreciate, Occie:
"Western Europe is a patient in an iron lung."
If Koestler were still alive, he could start another essay with the same sentence, allowing for a slight adjustment on the medical technology.
Occam's Tool| 10.16.12 @ 10:03PM
No G-d, No kids, No future. A simple trinity. Sad. Also destroying New Zealand.
Hardcard| 10.15.12 @ 8:07AM
Didn't obuma and mr. peanut get the prize enough said.
PCC| 10.15.12 @ 8:26AM
I think Mr. Kaplan is not quite right when he says "Mr. Obama did not ask for it". I may be wrong, but I seem to recall at the time of its awarding to Mr. Obama that nominees to the prize must affirm, several months beforehand, their willingness to accept the prize, should it be bestowed upon them.
PCC| 10.15.12 @ 8:45AM
PCC,
Yet again, I must correct myself after a hasty comment.
While I believe it was reported at the time that Mr. Obama had prior knowledge of his nomination for the Peace Prize, I can find no evidence from an internet search that he was necessarily notified of it beforehand.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 2:29PM
HE TOOK IT.
That's all you need to know.
I compare that to Napolean CROWNING HIMSELF EMPEROR.
He knew that he didn't deserve it, but he took it, anyway.
That's what a Narccissist does.
John II| 10.15.12 @ 6:16PM
Narcissist, Tim. N-A-R-C-I-S-S-I-S-T. One must observe high standards of spelling when attaching printed labels to dip-shits.
I wish you'd change the time of the contests to Saturdays. I've had several good notions, but not enough time for the composition amid my crowded movie-watching duties.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 7:11PM
I'm gonna do it this Friday.
Everyone will have until Saturday, 7 pm.
Just for you, Mr. Spellcheck.
John II| 10.16.12 @ 1:27AM
Whoa. I'm honored. And I'll do my best. No papers to grade this coming weekend, and only five flicks to watch. I've got all the time in the world!
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 7:26PM
John II: You are a peach, you know?
Anthony| 10.15.12 @ 9:13AM
I think the Norweigen Parliment should turn this responsibility over to a group of individuals worthy of the recent nominees.
The women of "The View" are indeed the intellectual superiors of the presently constituted Nobel Committee.
They would have awarded this years Peace Prize to "Slick Willie" Clinton himself, and would have been rewarded by that old whore master with cigars.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 2:33PM
The Women on the View?
I'm thinking more along the lines of The Little Rascals, Peter Griffen, and Snookie.
Brad| 10.16.12 @ 5:05AM
Is there a difference?
Who Knows?| 10.15.12 @ 10:56AM
What's a Pulitzer Prize?
Moe Blotz| 10.15.12 @ 11:18AM
That would be a trophy awarded to the best preserved jukebox at the annual National Record Player Convention held in Croydon, PA.
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 2:36PM
I think that Moe is confusing the Pulitzer, with the Wulitzer, or John Navritil's Nice Boobies Prize.
John Navratil| 10.15.12 @ 5:17PM
TLP,
Legs!
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 7:12PM
Tits!
TLP| 10.15.12 @ 7:13PM
I've already got Legs.
C. Vernon Crisler | 10.15.12 @ 11:11AM
End the Peace Prize. Barack Obama, nuff said.
james wilson| 10.15.12 @ 12:06PM
May the EU suffer the same fate as Obama and in the same time period.
Tom Kyba| 10.15.12 @ 12:16PM
Leftists presenting awards to other leftists for being good leftists.
Anthony| 10.15.12 @ 1:34PM
Well said. I present to you Dan Rather, recipent of a Peabody Award for his "brillant" journalism on the Bush TANG phony fax story.
"The story is true". So said the horses ass who makes Mr. Ed look like the head of CBS, and Mary Mapes, who makes any woman look good, even Roseanne Barr.
I wonder why Blather didn't get worked up over Obozo phony paperwork? Only kidding, one fraud covering up for another.
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 7:28PM
You know, I just realized that without Jack, or John 786, that I love you guys. What awesome bloggers. Life's short, and good, despite the asshats. One should express one's appreciation whenever possible. I learned that during my 1st cardiac echo 13 years ago (negative)
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 8:08PM
The Jewish Nobel 2012: Serge Haroche, physics. He was born in Morocco to French Jews---both sides. Suck on it, Jack in Wi.
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 8:17PM
Jews also won this year in Economics and Chemistry, both Americans. 3 in 2012 , from a world population of 13 million. No Mainland Chinese, and no Islamists.
8 in 2 years. Almost all of them Americans or Israelis. What a great country the USA is. Imagine what genius would not be doing if mutants like the Cheesehead had his way. (By the way, Green Bay SUCKS this year)
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 8:20PM
You understand, the only reason I do this tally of Jewish Nobelists is to piss off Red Phillips, Nathan, Jack from Wi., John786, King of the Nuts, and the other worthless antisemitic trolls who post here.
America always does well in the Nobels because it encourages freedom and intellectual inquiry and IS the safest place in the world to be Jewish, the Jews being a people who have a literacy test as their manhood qualification. Encourage Genius and scholarship, and ye shall receive. It is not genetics, it is culture. And America has the best culture in the world for high achievers, still.
Occam's Tool| 10.15.12 @ 8:31PM
The Chinese just won the Nobel Prize in Literature. They win One, the Jews win three. The Jews win them in the sciences that require math.
Albert Constantine Jr.| 10.15.12 @ 8:56PM
Don't forget, there are over a billion Chinese in China alone, so the opportunities for them to place are much higher then your Landsman, which makes the achievement that much more impressive (though I must confess that the only Chinese literature I've ever read came out of a fortune cookie).
Occam's Tool| 10.16.12 @ 1:05AM
Albert: might I strongly suggest renting Red Sorghum, (the first film by Zhang Yimou) followed by Raise the Red Lantern? Red Sorghum was a brilliant film based on a novel by the 2012 Nobelist, and Yimou is a director that I would place in Kurosawa's ballpark.
Will| 10.16.12 @ 1:25AM
You forgot to mention the EU's vital role in transitioning Eastern Europe to democracy after the fall of the Iron Curtain. There was no guarantee that all those states would become democratic and peaceful. Why did the Czechs and Slovaks part so peaceably? Why are the Baltic states at peace when they have such large Russian minorities? Why are Romania and Bulgaria in good shape when they have absolutely no democratic tradition?
EU membership promised (and promises) prosperity to poor countries, due to ease of trade, foreign direct investment, access to credit etc. By dangling the stick of membership in front of former USSR Republics and Warsaw Pact states, the EU ensured that they would turn out democratic, capitalist and peaceful. There was precedent for this in the similar role Europe played in the 70s, bringing Spain, Portugal and Greece away from rightwing military dictatorships.
Given this, I think it perfectly justified that the EU be given the prize, although maybe it would have been more appropriate at the times of Eastern European accession to the club- 1999 or 2004.
Occam's Tool| 10.16.12 @ 10:02PM
No, Will, that was THE MARSHALL PLAN and AMERICAN UNSORDID GENEROSITY that did it.
By the way, Romney kicked Obama's ass in Round 2.