Emily Greene Balch

Nobel Peace Prize winner who pioneered transnational activism

Emily Greene Balch (1867-1961) redefined global activism through her work with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. The Wellesley College economist became the second American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1946) for her innovative approaches to conflict resolution and refugee assistance.

Her groundbreaking achievements include:

• Co-founding the first U.S. settlement house for immigrants
• Developing economic sanctions as non-violent conflict tools
• Creating prototype refugee resettlement programs during WWI

Balch's 1910 book 《Approaches to the Great Settlement》 anticipated modern concepts of international governance. Despite being fired from Wellesley for her pacifist views during WWI, she continued advising the League of Nations and helped draft crucial UN human rights provisions.

Her multidisciplinary approach combined:

• Economic analysis with social activism
• Grassroots organizing with diplomatic engagement
• Academic rigor with practical policy-making