In the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), India has climbed 10 positions to rank 116th out of 163 countries. Iceland continues to top the list, a position it has held since 2008, followed by Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore.
Key Highlights:
Top Countries in GPI 2024:
- Iceland – Score: 1.112
- Ireland – Score: 1.303
- Austria – Score: 1.313
- New Zealand – Score: 1.323
- Singapore – Score: 1.339
India’s Performance:
- Rank: 116th
- Score: 2.319
- Previous Rank: 126th in 2023, with a score of 2.314
Key Findings:
- Global Peacefulness: The average level of global peacefulness deteriorated by 56%, marking the fifth consecutive year of decline. This is the 12th decline in peace in the last 16 years, with 65 countries improving and 97 deteriorating.
- Regional Analysis:
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Remains the least peaceful region, primarily due to crises in Yemen and Sudan.
- North America: Recorded the largest average decline due to rising violent crimes in Canada and the United States.
- Europe: Continues to be the most peaceful region, home to eight of the ten most peaceful countries.
- Least Peaceful Countries: Yemen is now the least peaceful country, followed by Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.
Positive Trends:
- Improved Rankings: El Salvador saw the largest improvement, moving to 107th due to decreases in homicide rates and improved perceptions of safety. The UAE, Nicaragua, and Greece also recorded significant increases in peacefulness.
- Economic Impact of Violence: The global economic impact of violence in 2023 was USD 19.1 trillion, a USD 158 billion increase from 2022. Military and internal security expenditure accounts for over 74% of this cost.
India’s Overview:
- Ranking Improvement: India moved up to 116th from 126th in the previous year.
- Regional Comparison: India is ranked behind neighbors Bhutan (21), Nepal (80), China (88), Bangladesh (93), and Sri Lanka (100), but ahead of Myanmar (148) and Pakistan (140).
- Category-wise Analysis: India ranks poorly in air quality (177th), projected emissions (172nd), and Biodiversity & Habitat (178th). However, it has made strides in climate change efforts (133rd) due to investments in renewable energy and a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Trends in Peacefulness:
- Military Expenditure: There has been a significant increase in military expenditure (% of GDP), with 86 countries increasing their spending.
- Ongoing Conflicts: Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have significantly impacted global peacefulness.
- Safety and Security: Slight improvements were noted in safety and security due to decreases in violent demonstrations, terrorism impact, and homicide rates.
War in the 21st Century:
- Technological Developments: Geopolitical rivalries and the use of technologies like drones are becoming more prominent in conflicts.
- Global Conflict Involvement: More countries are involved in conflicts outside their own borders, with around 92 countries engaged in external conflicts in 2022.
About the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP):
- Founder & Executive Chairman: Steve Killelea AM
- Established: 2007
- Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
Conclusion:
The 2024 Global Peace Index highlights ongoing global challenges to peace, with India showing slight improvement in its ranking. While there are positive trends in some areas, significant efforts are needed globally to address the factors contributing to the decline in peacefulness. The GPI serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing these challenges, fostering a more peaceful world.
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