Global Peace Index (GPI)

08 Jul 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Global Peace Index (GPI)”. The topic “Global Peace Index (GPI)” has relevance in the “Current events of International importance, International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is Global Peace Index? Who publishes it? 

For Mains:

GS2: International Relations

Why in the news?

The Global Peace Index (GPI) has published its annual list of the most peaceful countries in the world.

What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)?

• The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the 17th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), which assesses and ranks 163 independent states and territories based on their levels of peacefulness.

• This report offers the most extensive analysis based on data to date regarding trends in peace, the economic significance it holds, and strategies for fostering peaceful societies.

• The Global Peace Index (GPI) encompasses 163 countries, representing 99.7 percent of the global population. It relies on 23 indicators of both qualitative and quantitative nature from reputable sources. 
• The index evaluates the level of peace within three distinct domains.

• • Societal safety and security

• • Ongoing domestic and international conflict

• • Militarisation

Global Peace Index (GPI) 2023

The world has become less peaceful, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. The average global peacefulness score decreased by 0.42 percent, the thirteenth deterioration in fifteen years. In 2022, 84 countries improved in peacefulness, while 79 deteriorated.

Ranking of Various States 

• According to the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI), Iceland retains its position as the most peaceful country globally, a title it has held since 2008. 
• Joining Iceland at the top of the rankings are Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, and Austria. 
• On the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan maintains its position as the least peaceful country for the eighth consecutive year. 
• Afghanistan is followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

India’s Ranking

In the rankings, India has moved up two spots to reach 126th place compared to its previous position. The report highlights that India has witnessed a 3.5 percent improvement in overall peacefulness in the past year. 

• This improvement can be attributed to advancements in curbing violent crime, enhancing relations with neighboring countries, and reducing political instability. 
• According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the indicator measuring relations with neighboring countries improved due to a decrease in cross-border violence and ceasefire violations with Pakistan and China in 2022. 
• Additionally, the easing of geopolitical tensions with China, resulting from a reduction in border incidents, and a decrease in social unrest have contributed to an improvement in the political instability indicator in India.

South Asia’s Regional Rankings

Major indices put out by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP):

• Global Peace Index

• Global Terrorism Index

• Safety Perceptions Index

• Ecological Threat Report

• Positive Peace Report

• UNESCO Framework for Enabling Intercultural Dialogue

Sources:
GPI-2023

Indian Express

Yojna daily current affairs eng med 8th July 2023

Q1. With reference Global Peace Index, consider the following statements: 

1. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) publishes this annual report which assesses and ranks states based on their levels of peacefulness.
2. India’s ranking has drastically moved down in the index in this year’s report. 
3. Overall, India ranks at the bottom in the South Asian region,

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) None 

Answer: (d) 

Q2. Consider the following Indices/ Reports: 

1. Global Terrorism Index
2. Safety Perceptions Index
3. Rule of Law Index 
4. Quality-of-Life Index

How many of the Indices/ Reports given above are published by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Answer: (b)

Q3. Discuss the implications of India’s neighborhood on India’s peace and prosperity, and analyze the strategies India can adopt to ensure regional stability.

Gaurav N