Currently, 92 countries are involved in conflict, more than at any time since World War II. This is evident from the Global Peace Index of the think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), which was published in London on Tuesday. In the 18th edition of the index, Austria has moved into the top three most peaceful countries in the world, behind NATO member Iceland and neutral EU state Ireland. Yemen replaced Afghanistan as the least peaceful country.
According to the report, the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine are mainly responsible for the deterioration. Last year, 162,000 deaths were recorded as a result of armed conflict. The peace situation deteriorated in 97 countries last year, more than in any other year since the index was introduced in 2008.
Fears of violence are growing in North America
Militarization also recorded the largest increase since the index was created. There was increased militarization in 108 countries last year. The greatest regional deterioration occurred in North America, where violent crime and fear of violence increased. However, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains the least peaceful. Four of the ten least peaceful countries in the world are located there. Israel dropped to number 155 on the list, an all-time low, due to the Gaza war. Palestine dropped to 145th place.
The global economic impact of violence amounted to 19.1 trillion dollars (approximately 17,800 billion euros), equivalent to 13.5 percent of global economic power. That’s an increase of $158 billion, mainly due to conflict-related GDP losses. Spending on peacekeeping measures is negligible. These amounted to approximately US$49.6 billion, equivalent to 0.6 percent of total world military expenditure. The index also includes a new military rating system. This shows that US military capabilities are up to three times greater than those of China.
“Solve small conflicts”
IEP founder Steve Killelea lamented that peace has waned in nine of the past 10 years. He mainly referred to the economic risks posed by increasing violence. Governments and companies “must step up efforts to resolve the many smaller conflicts before they escalate into larger crises,” Killelea said.
The report also shows a change in the nature of conflict. As recently as the 1970s, 49 percent of conflicts ended with a decisive victory for one side. In the 2010s, this was only the case in nine percent of conflicts. The number of conflicts ended by peace agreements fell from 23 to 4 percent.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
