Editor's note: Julian E. Zelizer is a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School. His new book, "Arsenal of Democracy: The Politics of National Security -- From World War II to the War on Terrorism," will be published in December by Basic Books. Zelizer writes widely about current events. Julian Zelizer says Woodrow Wilson got his Nobel Peace Prize at the end of a presidency marked by failure. PRINCETON, New Jersey (CNN) -- Did President Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? That debate will likely continue for weeks to come. But the more interesting question may be about what impact the prize will have on President Obama himself and the key decisions he must make about national security.
@highlight
Julian Zelizer: The last sitting president to receive Nobel was Woodrow Wilson
@highlight
He says Wilson's prize came at end of a very troubled presidency
@highlight
He says Obama is being honored at beginning of presidency
@highlight
Zelizer: Prize can serve as a moral compass to guide Obama's actions
When @placeholder died in 1924, he understood all too well how devastating dashed expectations could be for a presidency.