More than three-fourths of European countries spent more on their militaries in 2023, a report has found, as the world’s most peaceful region fears a possible expansion of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), produced by the Australia-based Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), warned on Tuesday the world was at a crossroads, with the global number of conflicts reaching 56, the most since World War II.
Ninety-seven countries deteriorated in peacefulness in 2024, more than any year since the inception of the report in 2008.
Wars have also become more international, with 92 countries involved in conflicts outside their borders, the most since the GPI began recording peacefulness.
“Over the past decade, peacefulness has declined in nine out of the 10 years. We are witnessing a record number of conflicts, a rise in militarisation, and heightened international strategic competition,” said Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of IEP.
“It is imperative for governments and businesses worldwide to intensify their efforts to resolve the many minor conflicts before they escalate into larger crises,” Killelea said.
While Europe is home to seven of the 10 most peaceful countries, 23 out of 36 countries in the region have become less peaceful.
Hellbound and Down 