INVC NEWS
New York — : Rising global unrest and armed conflicts have pushed the world toward its most dangerous state since the Second World War, according to the newly released Global Peace Index 2025. The report shows that global peace levels dropped by 0.36% over the past year, marking the 13th consecutive year of rising instability across nations.
Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Global Peace Index evaluates the safety, conflict levels, and militarization status of 163 countries. This year, 74 nations showed improvement, but a worrying 87 countries experienced a decline in peaceful conditions. The data presents a sobering picture of a world leaning toward violence and division rather than diplomacy and cooperation.
Top 5 Safest and Most Dangerous Countries
For the 15th year in a row, Iceland ranks as the most peaceful country in the world, followed closely by Ireland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland. These countries stood out for their stable governance, low crime rates, and minimal military engagement.
On the opposite end, Afghanistan remains the least peaceful country, joined by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq. Notably, Israel ranked 155th, placing it dangerously close to war-torn nations like South Sudan. By contrast, Iran ranked 142nd, outperforming Pakistan, which landed at 144.
India’s Ranking Shows Moderate Peace
India improved its position slightly and now sits at 115th, indicating a moderate peace level compared to its neighbors. Pakistan, dealing with ongoing internal strife, ranked significantly lower at 144th, while Turkey, which has often aligned itself with Pakistan during diplomatic tensions, ranked even worse at 146th.
Interestingly, the United States dropped to 128th, falling behind several African nations including Mozambique, South Africa, and Kenya. Analysts cite internal political instability, rising gun violence, and declining public trust as reasons for the United States’ continued drop.
Shift in Top 10 Peaceful Nations
The 2020 report had listed Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, and Denmark in the top five. However, 2025’s edition introduces Ireland and Switzerland into the top bracket, while countries like Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, Slovenia, and Finland secured spots in the top 10.
According to the report, countries like Switzerland and Ireland benefit from low corruption, robust public institutions, and a stable social framework that contribute to both domestic security and high global travel desirability.
Russia and Ukraine Drop to the Bottom
Russia and Ukraine have now hit the lowest levels on the peace index, driven by the ongoing war that began in 2022. Nearly three years into the conflict, both nations remain embroiled in military confrontation, territorial instability, and daily airstrike threats. The index highlights that global conflicts have reached a 15-year high, severely affecting millions of lives and upending global supply chains and migration patterns.
Post-COVID vs. Current Global Climate
The 2020 Global Peace Index had focused largely on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with its political repercussions. Nations were judged by their responses to the crisis and the pandemic’s role in stirring social unrest. In contrast, the 2025 index paints a picture of a world where militarization is rising, diplomatic alliances are breaking, and global travel is increasingly perceived as unsafe.
The growing reliance on military buildup, reduced trust in international coalitions, and the breakdown of traditional alliances are causing concern across global policy circles. The report warns of a cascading effect where economic inequality, geopolitical tensions, and mass displacement may spiral into uncontrollable regional conflicts.
A World Drifting from Peace
As per the 2025 index, peace continues to retreat across continents, with only a handful of nations maintaining calm through diplomatic consistency and institutional integrity. Meanwhile, much of the world faces increasing risk due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and weakening international frameworks. This year’s findings reinforce that global security is on a declining trajectory, demanding urgent international dialogue and action.
