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A world facing growing geopolitical risks
The global geopolitical landscape is experiencing one of its most critical periods since World War II. A renewed wave of hostilities, combined with an arms race that has intensified over the past decade, is putting international security and political stability under increasing pressure.
Conflicts across different regions highlight the scale of these challenges. The civil war in Sudan, the prolonged war in Eastern Europe and the recent escalation of tension involving Iran, Israel and the United States have further weakened an already fragile international order.
Although conflict-related deaths have declined slightly from their 2023 peak, current figures remain among the highest recorded over the past two decades. The broader security outlook is equally concerning: since 2008, the number of countries involved in external conflicts has nearly doubled, while 99 countries experienced a deterioration in peacefulness over the past year.
Against this backdrop of rising geopolitical uncertainty, peaceful and secure countries are becoming increasingly valuable benchmarks of stability.
The world’s safest countries: why Iceland leads
Despite growing global instability, some countries continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Iceland once again ranks as the world’s most peaceful country, maintaining the leading position it has held since the Global Peace Index was first introduced.
Countries that consistently achieve high levels of peace tend to share several structural characteristics. These include efficient public institutions, strong social cohesion and a foreign policy focused on cooperation rather than confrontation.
1. Strong institutions and efficient public services
Stable countries are generally supported by efficient institutions and reliable public services. High standards in healthcare, education and law enforcement contribute to citizens’ well-being whilst reinforcing trust in the public sector.
Efficient institutions also help societies respond to internal challenges and maintain a stable environment for individuals, businesses and investors.
2. Social cohesion and public safety
Social trust and a high quality of life are essential components of peaceful societies. Countries with strong civic ties and low levels of everyday crime tend to provide safer environments for their populations.
Social cohesion and public safety therefore play a central role in sustaining long-term stability and reducing the risk of domestic tension.
3. Diplomacy and international cooperation
A commitment to dialogue and international cooperation is another defining feature of the world’s most peaceful countries. Foreign policies that prioritise diplomacy can help prevent disputes from escalating and support more constructive international relationships.
In an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment, these approaches remain important foundations for global peace.
Understanding the Global Peace Index (GPI)
To assess global security and compare levels of peacefulness across countries, the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has published the Global Peace Index (GPI), a research initiative established twenty years ago to monitor peace and security worldwide.
The index evaluates 163 countries using 23 quantitative and qualitative indicators, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that influence national and international stability.
The Global Peace Index is built around three fundamental dimensions:
- Societal safety and security: This pillar examines the level of security experienced in everyday life, including conditions related to public safety and social stability.
- Ongoing domestic and international conflict: This dimension assesses the scale and intensity of conflicts within countries and across national borders.
- Militarisation: This pillar evaluates the extent to which countries rely on military capabilities and resources.
Together, these three dimensions provide a structured overview of global peacefulness, highlighting the differences between countries and the broader trends shaping international security.
