Nobel Peace Prize 2025
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 to Venezuelan politician and pro-democracy activist Maria Corina Machado. She was honored for her courageous efforts in promoting democratic rights, peacefully resisting authoritarian rule, and advocating for the establishment of democracy in Venezuela. The award underscores the deep connection between democracy and peace on a global scale. In her acceptance, Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Maria Corina Machado dedicated the honor to the suffering people of Venezuela and to U.S. President Donald Trump for his decisive support of her cause, highlighting the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Dedication to global democratic allies.
Key Highlights of the Nobel Peace Prize 2025
Award Recipient: Maria Corina Machado
Background:
- Known as Venezuela’s ‘Iron Lady.’
- A prominent politician and activist who has peacefully opposed authoritarian regimes.
- Venezuela, once a stable democracy, slid into authoritarianism after 1999, leading to poverty, repression, and restricted freedoms for citizens.
Contributions:
- Atenia Foundation (1992): Established to support street children.
- Súmate: Co-founded to monitor free and fair elections.
- Advocated for ‘ballots over bullets’ to promote peaceful civic participation.
- Played a pivotal role in organizing the opposition and uniting pro-democracy movements.
- Continued her struggle in Venezuela despite personal risks.
Global Significance:
- The award establishes democracy as a cornerstone of peace.
- It highlights the importance of peaceful resistance against authoritarianism and the protection of human rights.
- Relevant in the context of rising authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic values globally, as noted in the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Winners List.
Venezuela Context:
- Erosion of democracy, economic crisis, and human rights violations in Venezuela.
- Machado’s work serves as an inspiration for democratic movements worldwide.
Historical Perspective of the Nobel Peace Prize
Evolution of the Nobel Peace Prize:
- Established: In 1901, as per Alfred Nobel’s will.
- Initial Focus: Promoting fraternity between nations, reducing standing armies, and supporting peace movements.
Development:
- Post-World War II, focus shifted to arms control, peace negotiations, democracy, and human rights.
- In the 21st century, recognition extended to efforts addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
India and the Nobel Peace Prize:
- Mother Teresa (1979): Honored for her humanitarian work aiding suffering humanity, promoting compassion and service globally, a milestone in the Nobel Peace Prize India legacy.
- Kailash Satyarthi (2014): Recognized for his work against child oppression and advocating for the right to education; founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan; shared the award with Malala Yousafzai, showcasing India’s contributions to the Nobel Peace Prize Winner Of India.
Conclusion:
The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 Winner, Maria Corina Machado, highlights the profound link between democracy, human rights, and peace. From a UPSC perspective, this award is significant for understanding global governance, the fight against authoritarianism, and India’s role as a democratic nation. It not only honors Machado’s courage but also inspires peaceful democratic movements worldwide, as reflected in the Nobel Peace Prize Winners 2025 List.
Potential Questions for UPSC Mains
Question 1: Maria Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her democratic efforts. Analyze her contributions in the context of Venezuela’s authoritarian regime and discuss its impact on global peace. (150 words)
Question 2: In the context of rising global authoritarianism, evaluate Maria Corina Machado’s efforts in peaceful resistance. What are the implications for democratic nations like India? (250 words)
Question 3: Analyze the ethical values of courage and non-violent resistance embodied by Maria Corina Machado. Discuss their significance for leadership in public service with examples. (150 words)
Potential Essay Questions
Question 1: The Interconnection of Democracy and Peace.
Question 2: Peaceful Resistance Against Authoritarianism: Global and Indian Perspectives.
Question 3: The Evolving Nature of the Nobel Peace Prize: Peace, Human Rights, and Environment.
Question 4: Women’s Contributions to Peace and Democracy.
Potential Questions for UPSC Prelims
Question 1: Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025?
a) Kailash Satyarthi
b) Maria Corina Machado
c) Malala Yousafzai
d) Denis Mukwege
Answer: b) Maria Corina Machado
Question 2: Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, is a citizen of which country?
a) Cuba
b) Venezuela
c) Chile
d) Bolivia
Answer: b) Venezuela
Question 3: Which of the following organizations was co-founded by Maria Corina Machado?
a) Atenia Foundation
b) Súmate
c) Both a and b
d) None
Answer: c) Both a and b
Question 4: Which Indian has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Mother Teresa
c) Amartya Sen
d) Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
Answer: b) Mother Teresa
Question 5: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize aimed to recognize contributions in which area?
a) Climate Change
b) Democracy and Human Rights
c) Nuclear Disarmament
d) Healthcare
Answer: b) Democracy and Human Rights
