The world is at least harmonious in 15 years, while Australia has plummeted in the rankings of a major global peace poll.
The Institute of Economics and Peace has published its 16th Annual Global Peace Index, which looks at the state of riots and war around the world.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global uncertainty over VOCID-19 led to a deterioration in peace indicators around the world, although there were some promising signs.
The war in Ukraine has led to a fall in global peace. (Photo AP / Bernat Armangue)
The GPI noted that militarization has improved globally, despite commitments from many countries, including Australia, to increase military spending.
Terrorism also declined significantly, with 86 countries noticing an improvement.
The United States has reached its lowest level of peace since 2008, largely due to escalating internal conflict.
Australia experienced a significant drop in rankings, dropping nine places to 27th out of 163 nations surveyed.
The GPI noted that Australia had seen a significant deterioration in relations with neighboring countries, perhaps a side effect of Canberra’s icy relations with Beijing.
Uncertainty about COVID-19 also contributes to this. (iStock / Getty)
Iceland ranked first as the “most peaceful” country, as it has been since 2008.
New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark and Austria joined in the top five.
For the fifth year in a row, Afghanistan is the least peaceful country, followed by Yemen, Syria, Russia and South Sudan.
The United States dropped one place to 129th.
Of the 23 IPG indicators, the most significant deteriorations were in relations with neighboring countries, the intensity of the internal conflict, refugees and displaced persons, political terror and political instability.
Children receive classes in explosives in Ukraine
“Last year we warned about the economic consequences of COVID-19. We are now experiencing supply chain shortages, rising inflation and food insecurity that have been exacerbated by tragic events in Ukraine,” said the founder. of the IEP, Steve Killelea.
“The political and economic consequences of this will resonate over the next few years.
“When combined with record low scores of neighborly relations, political insecurity, and the intensity of internal conflict, governments, organizations, and leaders must harness the power of peace.”
Read the full report here.