Opinion | The Nobel Prize must be decolonised to truly celebrate global excellence
- The US and the UK alone contribute about 55 per cent of Nobel laureates, underscoring the pervasiveness of Western intellectual culture
- A Eurocentric perspective contradicts not only the essence of science, but also the original intent of founder Alfred Nobel
As we stand on the brink of the Nobel Week events slated for December 6 to 12, it is worth noting that Nobel laureates, whether by affiliation or residence, overwhelmingly hail from the Western world. As affiliation is also a marker of regional origin, it spotlights the pervasive influence of Western research institutions and intellectual culture on the achievement and acknowledgement of excellence.
It is now time for the Nobel Prize to liberate itself from its deeply ingrained Western imperialist identity and metamorphose into a symbol that genuinely mirrors the diverse tapestry of intellectual contributions.
The historical roots of the Western dominance of the Nobel Prize can be tracked back to the science-imperialism nexus. Historian Odd Arne Westad has shed light on the symbiotic relationship between Western imperialism and advancements in military science and technology. His nuanced analysis suggests that since the late 18th century, the trajectory of Western dominance had been influenced profoundly by military innovations.
Westad’s exploration underscores the intricate connection between the strategic use of science and technology, and imperialistic pursuits. While not explicitly addressing the Nobel Prize, Westad’s perspective implies a broader context in which Western dominance extends beyond the geopolitical realm to encompass institutions such as the Nobel Prize.