According to a recent analysis, the world has again become a less peaceful place in the past year. On average, the level of peace fell by 0.3% year on year in 2021, write experts at the Institute for Economics and Peace research institute in their annual report published on Wednesday.
It is the eleventh time in the 14 years since the Peace Index was published that the situation has deteriorated. For their analysis, the researchers evaluate official data and information on more than 20 indicators – such as statistics on deaths, demonstrations and military expenditures.
War in Ukraine significant impact
The Russian invasion of Ukraine had a significant impact on the global peace situation. For example, deaths from external conflicts have increased significantly. Furthermore, both Ukraine and Russia are among the five countries where the peace situation has deteriorated most drastically year after year. Meanwhile, neighborly relations in Russia’s neighboring countries, such as Finland or the Baltic countries, suffered significantly.
The war in Ukraine is also indirectly worsening the living conditions of millions of people. The resulting rise in prices is leading to a decrease in global food security and therefore also in political stability. The authors write that Africa, South Asia and the Middle East are particularly threatened.
“We are now facing supply chain bottlenecks, rising inflation and food shortages, exacerbated by the tragic events in Ukraine,” said Steve Killelea, chief executive and founder of the think tank, according to a statement. “The political and economic consequences will reverberate for years to come.” Killelea also emphasized the need to reduce the economic costs of violence. According to the assessment, these reached a record level last year and amounted to 16.5 billion US dollars (about 15.8 billion euros), which corresponds to almost eleven percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
And who is the most peaceful?
Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world in statistics – a top position the island has held since the assessment began in 2008. Afghanistan is in last place for the fifth time in a row. Syria, Yemen and South Sudan are also in the rear.