Nobel Peace Prize Presidents

Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, Oslo City Hall, Dec. 10, 2002.

The Carter Center

The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the world, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. Four U.S. Presidents have been honored with this distinguished prize, and interestingly, three of them have family ties to the state of Georgia.

Theodore Roosevelt (1906): Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his role in mediating the Russo-Japanese War. This conflict had the potential to escalate into a major global war, but Roosevelt's diplomacy played a crucial role in ending the hostilities and brokering a peace agreement. In addition to his mediation efforts, he reached a Gentleman's Agreement on immigration with Japan, which aimed to reduce tensions and discrimination against Japanese immigrants. Roosevelt also famously sent the Great White Fleet, a fleet of American battleships, on a goodwill tour of the world, promoting peaceful relations with other nations.

Roosevelt's family connection to Georgia comes through his mother, Mittie Bulloch. Although she was born in Hartford, Connecticut, Mittie was raised in Savannah, Georgia, before moving to Roswell, Georgia, at a young age.

Woodrow Wilson (1919): Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his tireless efforts to promote peace and his vision for a post-World War I world order. Wilson's famous Fourteen Points outlined his vision for a new world order that would prevent future conflicts, and he played a significant role in the establishment of the League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations.

Wilson’s connection to Georgia is through his childhood. Born in Staunton, Virginia, he spent his formative years in Augusta, Georgia. These years in Augusta exposed him to the hardships of the Civil War and Reconstruction, experiences that would shape his outlook on peace and diplomacy.

Jimmy Carter (2002): Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of work seeking peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development. Carter has been involved in numerous humanitarian and peace initiatives, including his work with the Carter Center in areas like disease eradication, election monitoring, and conflict resolution.

Carter's connection to Georgia is strong, as he served as the Governor of Georgia before becoming President. A native Georgian, he was born in Plains, Georgia, where he continues to reside.

Barack Obama (2009): Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and foster cooperation between nations. During his presidency, Obama promoted nuclear disarmament, advanced dialogue with the Muslim world, and took steps to address climate change, all key initiatives in his approach to global peace and stability.

Though Obama does not have direct family ties to Georgia, his leadership on peace and diplomacy aligns with the legacy of past Presidents awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.