Here are some possible reasons why the Nobel Peace Prize was not awarded in 1972:
1. Lack of Suitable Candidates: The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting peace and international cooperation. In 1972, the committee may have considered that there were no individuals or organizations that met the criteria for the prize.
2. Political Considerations: The Nobel Peace Prize is often influenced by global political events. The early 1970s was a time of significant geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Cold War. The committee may have felt that awarding the prize in such a volatile climate could be controversial or perceived as favoring one side over the other.
3. Stringent Criteria: The Nobel Peace Prize is subject to strict criteria, and the committee may have found that no candidate met all of the requirements in 1972. The committee can also decide not to award the prize if it believes that none of the candidates are deserving of it that year.
It's important to note that the Norwegian Nobel Committee does not publicly disclose the specific reasons for its decisions regarding the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee's decision-making process is confidential, and the members' discussions are not made public.