In an era of disruptive, personality-driven statecraft, María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize is a victory for the quiet, patient work of traditional diplomacy. Her success in unifying the Venezuelan opposition was an achievement of classic diplomatic virtues: negotiation, persuasion, and compromise.
This stands in stark contrast to the anti-establishment, norm-breaking style of Donald Trump. His brand of diplomacy relies on shock value, personal relationships with strongmen, and a willingness to upend the traditional diplomatic process.
The Nobel committee’s decision is a firm endorsement of the old school. They have rewarded the difficult, behind-the-scenes work of coalition-building over the made-for-television spectacle of a high-profile summit.
The White House statement, celebrating Trump’s ability to “move mountains with the sheer force of his will,” perfectly captures the personality-driven model that the committee rejected. They prefer the steady hand of a diplomat to the sheer force of a celebrity politician.
While the world of diplomacy is rapidly changing, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is a clear signal from its most prestigious institution that the traditional virtues of patience, dialogue, and collaboration are still the most highly valued.
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