Opposite of: The Peace Prize
The Warmonger
The Warmonger names the people whose actions have caused war, occupation, or the deliberate killing of civilians.
The category records people in positions of state, military, or political power whose conduct meets one or more of the following.
They have started, ordered, or sustained a war of aggression, where “war of aggression” means the use of armed force against another state in a way that violates the United Nations Charter.
They have ordered, permitted, or refused to stop the deliberate killing, injury, or displacement of civilians by forces under their authority.
They have ordered or permitted the use of weapons or tactics banned under the Geneva Conventions, including the targeting of hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and humanitarian convoys.
They have occupied territory and governed it in a way that has produced the systematic killing, starvation, or displacement of the civilian population living there.
Conduct is documented from public reporting by reputable international media, findings of international courts and tribunals, reports of established human rights bodies, and the public statements and orders of the person themselves.
The category does not record opinion. It records conduct.
Where the money goes
Funds recorded against nominees in this category are held by the institution. At the end of the cycle, the money is given to organisations whose work directly opposes the harm documented.
For The Warmonger, the funds go to organisations working in these areas:
- Protecting civilians in active war zones
- Helping refugees and people forced from their homes
- Independent journalism that documents war and its crimes
- Legal action against violations of international law
- Peace-building and conflict resolution
The specific partner organisations are confirmed at the end of the cycle. Each organisation must give formal consent before being named as a partner.