Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted several key reasons for this decision:
- Obama had created a new climate in international politics focused on multilateral diplomacy, emphasizing dialogue and negotiations over conflict.
- He worked toward nuclear disarmament, motivating disarmament and arms control negotiations, including negotiating a successor to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia to reduce nuclear arsenals.
- Obama pursued efforts to renew positive relations between the United States and the Muslim world, exemplified by his speech in Cairo advocating mutual respect and understanding.
- He championed global cooperation on climate change and supported democracy and human rights.
- The prize also served as an encouragement and incentive for Obama to continue his peaceful efforts and vision of a world free from nuclear weapons.
Though some viewed the award as surprising since it was early in his presidency and before many concrete achievements, the committee saw his leadership as a hopeful symbol for a better future and for global diplomacy.