Peace is undoubtedly a profound aspiration that echoes through the corridors of humanity. Yet, amidst an ever-churning vortex of wars, economic adversities, and political rifts, it seems perpetually just out of reach. Does the heart not yearn for safety and stability with an intensity that, at times, feels palpable? As individuals, we aspire to forge better tomorrows, all the while the stark reality looms — conflict still molds the destiny of millions across the globe.
According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), an analytic tool tracking peace through 23 vital indicators, an alarming trend emerges: our world is drifting further away from peace. Astonishingly, there are now 56 active conflicts—the peak number since the days of World War II. These figures serve as a somber reminder, echoing the words of Albert Einstein, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
Today’s wars are no longer shackled by borders. Astonishingly, 92 nations find themselves embroiled in conflicts extending beyond their territories. Such dynamics complicate and elongate the path to peace negotiations, leaving countless individuals to bear the brunt of relentless crossfires. How does one negotiate peace in a borderless war?
Reflecting upon the past 16 years, one might recall the tantalizing decline in global militarization, holding a flicker of hope for a more harmonious world. Yet, as the year 2024 emerged, this hope was dimmed, with 108 countries ramping up their militarization efforts. It poses the chilling question, are we hurtling towards a large-scale war, akin to fears unseen since the GPI commenced its data collection?
This year’s global peacefulness index plummeted by 0.56%, marking the twelfth regression over the past sixteen years. In a stark dichotomy, 97 nations experienced heightened unrest while a mere 65 saw slight ameliorations in peace. What does this say about our global cohabitation?
The chasm between the world’s most and least peaceful countries has expanded into a daunting abyss. While the top 25 most serene countries exhibit marginal improvements since 2008, the 25 least peaceful have descended into deeper tumult.
Yet, even amidst darkness, beacons of peace persist. Iceland, laudably, continues to bear the torch of tranquility, ceaselessly holding its place as the world’s most peaceful nation since 2008. This enduring legacy prompts introspection — what lessons does Iceland hold for us?
Business Insider Africa presents the top 10 most peaceful countries in the world:
| Rank | Country | Peace Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 1.11 |
| 2 | Ireland | 1.30 |
| 3 | Austria | 1.31 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 1.32 |
| 5 | Singapore | 1.34 |
| 6 | Switzerland | 1.35 |
| 7 | Portugal | 1.37 |
| 8 | Denmark | 1.38 |
| 9 | Slovenia | 1.40 |
| 10 | Malaysia | 1.43 |
This tableau of global peace status is a potent symbol — a reflection of where we stand today and a compass guiding where we could, or should, be heading. Perhaps, Socrates was right in saying, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead might be the first step toward earnest reconciliation.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
