ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the Nobel Peace Prize links Norway to the promotion of peace, gives Norway a voice in world politics and an opportunity to urge certain actions, and puts Norway on the map as a good power. It argues that the Nobel Peace Prize is part of an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA), to borrow from Louis Althusser, a peace ISA. The Nobel Peace Prize also stands out from the others awarded on the basis of Alfred Nobel's will because of its 'inherently politicized character'. The Norwegian engagement with the Nobel Peace Prize predates Norway's existence as an independent state by some eight years. The history of the prize is closely connected to that most basic status in international relations: being recognized as a state. After Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010, political relations between China and Norway deteriorated severely and are at the time of this writing at very low ebb.
