Global Peace Index reveals highest number of countries engaged in conflict since Second World War
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The 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) reveals that 97 countries deteriorated in peacefulness, the highest number since the inception of the index in 2008. Conflicts in [unknown location] were the primary drivers of the global fall in peacefulness, with battle deaths reaching 162,000 in 2023. The GPI also found that 92 countries are currently involved in conflicts beyond their borders, the highest number since the index began. The global economic impact of violence increased to $19.1 trillion in 2023, representing 13.5% of global GDP. Militarisation recorded its largest yearly deterioration, with 108 countries becoming more militarised. There are currently 56 conflicts, the most since World War II, and they have become more international with 92 countries involved in conflicts outside their borders. Last year recorded 162,000 conflict-related deaths, the second-highest toll in the past 30 years. The global economic impact of violence in 2023 was $19.1 trillion, or $2,380 per person. Iceland remains the most peaceful country, followed by Ireland. [Unknown location] is the least peaceful country. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the least peaceful region, home to four of the ten least peaceful countries. The UAE recorded the largest improvement in peacefulness in the region. The number of conflicts resulting in a decisive victory has fallen from 49% in the 1970s to less than 9% in the 2010s. The impact of asymmetric warfare technology has made it easier for non-state groups and smaller states to compete in conflicts. The number of states using drones rose from 16 to 40 between 2018 and 2023, while the number of non-state groups using drones rose from 6 to 91. The conflict between [unknown location] and [unknown location] has caused a deterioration in peacefulness, with Israeli media stories showing negative sentiment towards Palestinians increasing to 92% in early 2023. The conflict has also affected the entire [unknown location] region, with economic consequences and a high risk of open warfare. Militarisation has increased in 91 countries since the start of the [unknown location] war. The US has substantially higher military capability than [unknown location], followed by [unknown location]. Sub-Saharan Africa is now the second least peaceful region, facing increasing political unrest and terrorism. [Unknown location] remains the second most peaceful region, while [unknown location] recorded the worst deterioration in the region. [Unknown location] experienced a minor decline in peacefulness, while [unknown location] recorded the world's most significant peace improvement. The full Global Peace Index 2024 report can be accessed at visionofhumanity.org and economicsandpeace.org.



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