Do We Live in the Most Peaceful Time?

As the world continues to grapple with conflicts, wars, and social unrest, it’s natural to wonder if we’re living in the most peaceful time in human history. On one hand, advances in technology, globalization, and international cooperation have brought peoples and nations closer together than ever before. On the other hand, the rise of nationalism, terrorism, and political polarization has created divisions and tensions that threaten global stability.

To answer this question, let’s take a look at the data.

Measuring Peace

Measuring peace is a complex task, as it involves assessing various metrics, including conflict levels, human rights, and economic indicators. One of the most widely used indices to measure peace is the Global Peace Index (GPI), which was first introduced in 2007 by the Institute for Economics and Peace.

According to the latest GPI report, released in 2020, the world has become more peaceful over the past decade, with a slight improvement in global peacefulness since 2019. While there are still significant challenges, the report notes that the number of conflicts has decreased, and the number of deaths from terrorism has declined.

Decline of War

Historically, war has been a hallmark of human society. However, the past century has seen a marked decline in the frequency and severity of wars. According to the Correlates of War Project, a data repository on international conflicts, the number of wars has decreased significantly since the end of World War II.

In the 1940s and 1950s, there were numerous conflicts, including the Cold War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. However, since the 1990s, the number of wars has decreased dramatically, with only a few significant conflicts, such as the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Terrorism

Terrorism is another significant threat to global peace and stability. However, according to the Global Terrorism Database, which tracks terrorist attacks worldwide, the number of deaths from terrorism has declined since its peak in 2014.

While terrorism remains a serious concern, the report notes that the number of attacks has decreased, and the number of fatalities has dropped by 22% since 2017.

Economic Drivers of Peace

Economic factors also play a significant role in driving peace. As global trade and economic cooperation have increased, so too have the benefits of peace. Countries that are economically integrated tend to have fewer conflicts, as they have a vested interest in maintaining peaceful relations.

According to a study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, increased trade can reduce conflict by up to 40%. Similarly, a study by the University of Notre Dame found that economic cooperation can reduce the risk of war by up to 50%.

Conclusion

While there are still numerous challenges to global peace and stability, the data suggests that we may be living in the most peaceful time in human history. The decline of war, the decrease in terrorism, and the economic drivers of peace all point to a trend towards greater peacefulness.

However, it’s important to note that peace is not solely the absence of conflict, but also the presence of justice, equality, and human rights. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it’s essential that we acknowledge these challenges and work towards creating a more just and peaceful world for all.

References:

• Institute for Economics and Peace. (2020). Global Peace Index 2020.
• Correlates of War Project. (2020). Wars of the World.
• Global Terrorism Database. (2020). Global Terrorism Database.
• Kiel Institute for the World Economy. (2019). The Impact of Trade on Conflict.
• University of Notre Dame. (2019). Economic Cooperation and the Risk of War.