The world is becoming a more dangerous and unstable place, according to the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) report. The GPI, which assesses peace across 23 key indicators, reveals an unsettling truth: the world is experiencing a significant decline in peace, with 56 active conflicts currently ongoing – the highest number since World War II.

This marks the 12th decline in global peacefulness over the past 16 years, with a record 97 countries seeing their peace levels deteriorate. In contrast, only 65 countries have experienced improvements in peace. The gap between the most and least peaceful nations is now wider than ever, with the 25 most peaceful countries experiencing slight improvements since 2008, while the 25 least peaceful have become significantly more unstable.

One of the most concerning trends highlighted in the report is the reversal of progress in militarization. After 16 years of decline, 108 countries increased their militarization in 2024, leading to a greater risk of large-scale war than at any point since the GPI began tracking global peace. This shift is particularly alarming, as it suggests that countries are becoming more aggressive and less inclined towards peaceful conflict resolution.

Despite this bleak outlook, there are still beacons of peace around the world. Iceland remains the most peaceful country in the world, a title it has held since 2008. The top 10 most peaceful countries, according to the GPI, are Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Malaysia.

The GPI report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace and stability in a world plagued by conflict and division. As the global community grapples with the challenges of war, economic hardship, and political divides, it is essential to prioritize diplomacy, cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. Only through collective effort can we hope to create a more peaceful and stable world for future generations.

The full GPI report provides a detailed analysis of the state of global peace, highlighting areas of concern and opportunities for improvement. As the world navigates this critical moment, it is essential to engage with the report's findings and work towards creating a more peaceful and harmonious world.