Latest news with #InstituteforEconomicsandPeace
Time Out
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time Out
Here's how the U.S. ranked on the 2025 Global Peace Index
If conflicts, mass shootings and political gridlock are making you feel like peace is on the decline in the U.S., you're not wrong. According to the newly released 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI), the U.S. ranks a disappointing 128 out of 163 countries behind nations like South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe. The GPI, produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, is the most comprehensive measure of global peacefulness. It evaluates 99.7-percent of the world's population across three key areas: societal safety and security, the presence of domestic and international conflict and levels of militarization. This year's report paints a grim picture. Global peacefulness has been declining every year since 2014, and 2025 marks the lowest point yet. With 59 active state-based conflicts, over 150,000 conflict-related deaths in 2024 alone and rising instability in major powers, the world is entering what researchers call "The Great Fragmentation"—a new era of global disorder. The U.S.'s poor ranking is driven by high homicide rates (six times the Western European average), political polarization, gun violence and its extensive military footprint. It sits just below Mozambique and just above El Salvador on the list. By contrast, the top of the list is filled with calm, well-governed countries. Iceland retains its number one spot as the most peaceful country in the world, followed by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria and Switzerland. These nations score well due to stable institutions, low corruption and social cohesion—what the report calls "positive peace" factors. Europe, despite some recent declines, remains the most peaceful region globally. The Middle East and North Africa, meanwhile, continue to rank as the least peaceful. Ten most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index Iceland Ireland New Zealand Austria Switzerland Singapore Portugal Denmark Slovenia Finland
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
African countries involved in five or more external conflicts
Countries such as the United States, Russia, Iran, and France posted some of the highest scores on this indicator. In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Business Insider Africa presents the African countries involved in five or more external conflicts in 2024. The list is courtesy of Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. If the world feels a little tenser, a little more uncertain lately, you're not imagining things. The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) confirms that global peacefulness has declined yet again, marking the sixth straight year of backsliding and the 13th time in the last 17 years. Despite this trend, the Safety and Security domain was the only one of the GPI's three core indicators to register an improvement. A total of 95 countries saw gains in this domain, compared to 67 that recorded a decline. Improvements were largely driven by better public perceptions of criminality, lower scores on the political terror scale, and a reduction in violent demonstrations. Notably, the global homicide rate has reached its lowest point since the index was first introduced. However, the most significant deterioration came from the External Conflicts Fought indicator. This measure worsened notably due to the growing involvement of foreign actors in domestic conflicts worldwide. Countries such as the United States, Russia, Iran, and France posted some of the highest scores on this indicator. In total, 44 countries saw their scores worsen in this area, with four of the ten steepest declines occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. As of 2025, 98 countries have been at least partially involved in external conflicts over the past five years, a sharp increase from just 59 in 2008. In many instances, these involvements included supporting incumbent governments in battles against rebel groups or terrorist organisations. The findings show a concerning trend, while some aspects of safety are improving domestically, international conflict and foreign interventions continue to destabilize global peace. Below are the African countries involved in five or more external conflicts: Rank Country UN Involvement African Union Involvement Other Total 1 Cameroon 4 2 6 2 Burundi 3 3 6 3 Burkina Faso 3 2 5 4 Nigeria 2 3 5 5 Tanzania 4 1 5 6 Rwanda 4 1 5 7 Ghana 2 3 5 8 Niger 3 2 5
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Escalation hotspot
Listen to article Kashmir is being ranked among the world's most critical escalation hotspots, as nuclear-armed India and Pakistan face "perilously high" tensions. The Global Peace Index, published by the highly-regarded Australian think tank Institute for Economics and Peace, noted how the four-day Indo-Pak conflict in May 2025 — the deadliest in years - exposed how quickly the Kashmir dispute could ignite a catastrophic war. The report also notes the fragility of the ceasefire - India won't even explicitly admit the circumstances around the agreement, including the role Washington played. The May 2025 clashes saw BrahMos cruise missiles, Rafale jets, J-10Cs and hundreds of drones in the skies above the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control. Pakistan's downing of advanced Indian aircraft, including French-built Rafales, also proved that even "limited" conflicts risk rapid escalation. The embarrassment of having to ground the pride of the Indian Air Force saw the conflict spread well beyond traditional skirmish zones in Kashmir, dragging the world toward crisis. Meanwhile, the threat to cut off Pakistan's water — a war crime — shows that India's leaders are more than willing to act like a rogue state just to keep up their prime minister's strongman image and delusions of grandeur. India's spokespersons can run themselves hoarse calling Kashmir a bilateral issue, but that doesn't make it so. Remember the day India asked the UN to intervene in the first conflict over the region. Modi and his regime are clearly not students of history — not even Indian history — so they are unlikely to be familiar with the events of 1914, when a regional conflict tainted by mistrust and disinformation exploded into what is now better known as the First World War. India's far-right government has been using conflict as a political tool for the past decade. Without domestic or foreign intervention soon, one day it will end up going too far.
India.com
7 days ago
- India.com
From Iceland To Singapore: 10 Most Peaceful Countries You Need To Explore In 2025
photoDetails english 2922383 Updated:Jun 26, 2025, 11:48 AM IST 1 / 13 In a world full of chaos, conflict, and uncertainty, peace has become more valuable than ever. Some nations stand out not just for their scenic beauty or economic strength, but for their stable societies, low crime rates, political neutrality, and commitment to harmony. These countries have become symbols of safety, well-being, and content living. What Makes a Country Peaceful? 2 / 13 Peace isn't just the absence of war—it's the presence of justice, safety, and sustainability. The Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, ranks countries based on various indicators like internal conflicts, crime rates, political stability, and military involvement. The countries below consistently rank high in these aspects, making them ideal destinations for peaceful living or travel. Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries on Earth. Iceland 3 / 13 Why it's peaceful: For over a decade, Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index. With no standing army, low crime, strong gender equality, and a high standard of living, it's a model of modern peace and balance. New Zealand 4 / 13 Why it's peaceful: A stable political environment, low crime rate, and a deep connection with nature make New Zealand a sanctuary. The Māori culture and respect for indigenous heritage add to its cultural peace. Ireland 5 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Ireland enjoys strong democratic institutions, low violence, and a cooperative society. Despite past conflicts, modern Ireland has emerged as one of Europe's calmest nations. Denmark 6 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Denmark is known for its progressive policies, welfare support, and minimal corruption. The people here enjoy a high level of trust and equality—key elements of lasting peace. Austria 7 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Nestled in the Alps, Austria offers political neutrality, strong legal systems, and low levels of violence. Its cultural richness coexists with a deep sense of public order. Portugal 8 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Portugal is often praised for its hospitality, low cost of living, and safe cities. With minimal international conflict and social unrest, it's a magnet for peaceful living and travel. Slovenia 9 / 13 Why it's peaceful: This small European gem boasts stunning landscapes, a green mindset, and very low crime. Slovenia is often called one of the cleanest and calmest places to live in the world. Czech Republic 10 / 13 Why it's peaceful: With modern infrastructure, peaceful protests, and low violent crime, the Czech Republic scores high on civic freedom and public safety—especially in cities like Prague. Singapore 11 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Strict laws, disciplined governance, and high public trust make Singapore one of the safest countries in Asia. It's a hub of cultural harmony and peaceful coexistence. Switzerland 12 / 13 Why it's peaceful: Famous for its political neutrality, Switzerland offers unmatched safety, excellent public services, and a calm way of life. It's a favorite for those seeking a blend of natural and social peace. 13 / 13 Peaceful countries set an example for the rest of the world in how to build inclusive, secure, and sustainable societies. They attract global citizens looking for quality of life, stress-free travel, and future stability. Whether you're planning to move abroad or just need a break from the noise, these destinations are worth considering.
Morocco World
24-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Ranks 7th in Arab World as Global Peace Deteriorates, Report Finds
Gummersbach – The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has published its 19th annual Global Peace Index (GPI), a comprehensive ranking of 163 countries and territories based on their levels of peace. Covering 99.7% of the world's population, the Sydney-based think tank report employs 23 indicators to analyze peace trends, economic impacts, and strategies for creating stable societies. The index captures peace on three central dimensions: security and safety at the societal level, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarization. The report this year is a gloomy one with a continued decline in world stability and the early warning signs for major conflict higher than ever since World War II. Morocco's ranking on this year's list indicates an alarming trend, as the country fell seven positions to 85th place in the world and a score of 2.012, where a lower score indicates more peace. In the Middle East and North Africa, Qatar ranks 27th, Kuwait 31st, Oman 42nd, UAE 52nd, and Jordan 72nd. Morocco is passed by Tunisia at 81st, while Saudi Arabia and Algeria trail behind in positions 90th and 92nd respectively. Leading the ranking in the world, Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world since 2008. It is trailed by New Zealand, Switzerland, Austria, and Ireland. These countries have remained in the top ten ever since the GPI was established, demonstrating remarkable resistance in the face of global turmoil. But the broader conclusions of the 2025 report outlines a frightening rise in violence worldwide. Currently, there are 59 active interstate conflicts , a post-World War II record, with three more than in the previous year. Just in the past year alone, 17 countries had over 1,000 conflict deaths. No less dire is the steep decline in conflict-ending wins. The percentage of conflicts that concluded with decisive victories fell from 49% during the 1970s to only 9% in the past decade, with peace agreements falling from 23% to 4% in the same period. The report also illustrates an alarming trend towards greater militarization in the face of rising geopolitical tensions, the collapse of old alliances, and economic instability. Conflicts are steadily internationalizing, and 78 countries are now embroiled in cross-border conflicts. This shift is a result of the world order's fragmentation, increased competition between great powers, and increasing influence of regional middle powers, which are taking on more aggressive roles within their respective regions. The Global Peace Index for 2025 depicts a grim assessment of a world ever distant from peace. The current trajectory suggests that without urgent intervention, the world may be entering an era of heightened and prolonged instability. Tags: Global Peace IndexMoroccomorocco peace indexpeace index
