Although we are still labouring under a practice of conquest, arguments resting on an alleged “conqueror’s right” are no longer accepted as valid in an international context. And so history goes on developing: new problems emerge as we try to solve the old ones. For a full understanding of the problem, we need to remember how important the principle of non-intervention had been considered to be in the work for peace.There is a contradiction, or at least tension, between the emphasis on non-intervention and the sovereignty of each individual state on the one hand and regard for human rights on the other.Laureates have been partly responsible for the war, violence or repression that preceded the decision to break out of the vicious circle.So it looks as if the committee’s policy of honouring what can be interpreted as real conversions to a peace strategy is being met with understanding and support. This has been the reason for these Laureates getting the Nobel Peace Prize.