2025 Global Peace Index: A Declining Trend in Global Peacefulness

The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) presents a stark reality: for the 13th time in the last 17 years, global peace is on the decline. Over the past year alone, the average level of peacefulness has taken a hit, decreasing by 0.36%. It’s a sobering statistic that signals the sixth consecutive year where we witness a slip in global tranquility. What has led us to this state? And what does it mean for our collective future?

While much of the world’s focus has understandably fixated on the wars ravaging Gaza and Ukraine, the conflicts are far from isolated. In fact, the GPI reports that 78 countries experienced a decline in peacefulness between its 2024 and 2025 editions. This paints a broader picture of unrest and instability that often goes unnoticed amidst the louder headlines.

A significant factor in this troubling trend is an uptick in external conflicts; 46 countries have reported more such tensions compared to the previous year. It begs the question: have we become desensitized to the fabric of global peace being frayed? As the complexity of international relations grows, the repercussions of such external conflicts stretch far beyond borders, affecting us all.

The realm of militarization has worsened as well. In a disconcerting development, 86 countries reported deteriorations in this domain. Global military spending surged, with expenditures as a percentage of GDP reaching its peak since 2010. This marks a 2.5% increase over the past year alone. It’s a striking contrast to a decade-long trend where militarization was on the decline. This reversal is fueled by rising geopolitical tensions and escalating conflicts—an alarm bell for anyone concerned about the future of global governance.

Looking at regions, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remain the least peaceful parts of the world, and this has been the case for ten consecutive years now. The region recorded a slight decline of 0.17% in peacefulness. What stories lie hidden behind these statistics? With four of the ten least peaceful countries globally located in this area, it’s clear that hope for stability is in critically short supply.

Take Sudan, for instance. Ranking as the least peaceful country in MENA—and the third least peaceful globally—it faced a 0.54% decline in its peace score. This downward spiral is largely attributed to worsening conditions in indicators related to nuclear and heavy weaponry, a growing displaced population, and internal conflicts. What must it be like for the average citizen, navigating life under these dire circumstances?

Meanwhile, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the trend mirrors that of MENA. The average level of peacefulness in this region also dropped by 0.17% over the past year. It’s a complicated landscape; while half of its nations made strides toward improvement, the other half faced setbacks. With three of the world’s ten least peaceful countries situated here, persistent challenges to stability cast long shadows over local communities.

The Ten Least Peaceful African Countries of 2025

To shed light on the specifics, here are the ten African nations that ranked the lowest in peacefulness according to the most recent GPI:

As we examine these trends and statistics, it’s crucial to pause and reflect. Are we merely observers in this narrative of decline, or can we play a role in reversing these chilling trends? The world is at a crossroads, and the choices we make today will ripple into our shared future.

Through engagement, dialogue, and understanding, perhaps we can move beyond the headlines and work collectively toward a more peaceful existence. The challenge is immense, but then again, is there anything more vital than fostering a world where peace is not just a dream but a tangible reality?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.