Ten Minutes On...

What to know what's going on? Ten Minutes On... offers context and a concise analysis of major events and news stories from Guy Burton, a politics and international relations scholar.

Guy draws on his knowledge and experience as a politics and international relations researcher, writer, educator and commentator while working in several universities around the world.

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Ten Minutes On...

Ten Minutes On... Nuclear Nominations, Nuclear Strikes and Diplomatic Farce

June 25, 2025 • Guy • Season 2 • Episode 40

In this episode of Ten Minutes On, we unpack Pakistan’s surprising decision to nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — on the very same day he ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Join us as we explore the contradictions and geopolitical calculations behind this bizarre moment in international diplomacy. What motivated Pakistan’s move? How does it reflect its position between India, China, Iran, and the US? And could Trump — bombastic as ever — genuinely win the world’s most prestigious peace award?

We break down:

The India–Pakistan ceasefire and claims of US non-involvement
Why Pakistan’s military is now cosying up to Washington
The backlash in Pakistan after Trump’s airstrikes on Iran
The symbolism and politics of the Nobel Peace Prize
Why authoritarian states fear Nobel nods — and why Trump probably won’t get one

Whether you’re interested in South Asia, US foreign policy, peace diplomacy, or just want to make sense of international absurdities — this one’s for you.