The Global Peace Index, 2023, reveals the top 10 countries in the most peaceful and un-peaceful categories. At the same time, the concept of peace is a subjective one. Every country has a different set of circumstances which ideally cannot meet all the indicators the organization sets. It is inspiring to see countries match all the parameters to be called the most peaceful ones. But, a thorough comparative analysis of their unique set of events that favors their destiny would provide insight into the fairness of such rankings.

The reliance on statistics by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is unjust to nations with cruel histories, different cultures, and experiences. The indicators only emphasize the three domains of negative concepts of peace. Neglecting the multifaceted idea of peace, IEP has framed its 23 indicators that only focus on the absence of violence.

The list of least peaceful nations starts with Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and others, with a shared history of challenges full of external interventions. The one-shoe-fits-all viewpoint contradicts the notion of the multifaceted domain of peace.

Most Peaceful Countries of 2023 and Their Situational Circumstances

1. Iceland

The country that tops the list of most peaceful nations is known to have never participated in any war till date. Undoubtedly, Iceland’s geographical location has played a significant role in keeping away global conflicts. The country’s constitution does not have any mechanism to start a war. Hence, it does not maintain a standing Army, Navy, or Air Force. The Icelandic population is only 3,47,887, with an ethnically homogeneous culture throughout. Thus, all these factors indicate no domestic and international conflict. It is very convenient for a country like Iceland to meet the three domains of GPI.

2. Denmark

Standing second in the list, Denmark proudly boasts about its strong tradition of Democracy and maintaining civil rights. The country has always been at an arm’s length in humanitarian-related concerns. The reputation-centric actions that Denmark works for have kept the country in a peaceful space. For instance, the Government of Denmark has reportedly pushed to send back the refugees from Syria who were seeking asylum in Denmark. Other than this, minorities have been the victims of passive racism, which is not a positive trait of the so-called peaceful country. Denmark’s discrepancies contradict its notion of a conflict-free society.

3. Ireland

It is very unlikely to see the third most peaceful country face a ‘cultural war’ in years. Unfortunately, Ireland is an example! The conflict concerns Northern Ireland, which continues to face its repercussions. The country might have worked on satisfying the negative concepts of peace, but the positive indicators are far from achieved. Issues like societal fragmentation between those who want to preserve the traditions and those who believe in a progressive mindset have deepened. There are issues that raise questions about it being called one of the most peaceful ones. 

4. New Zealand

Known for its progressive and peaceful atmosphere, the country experiences contradictory issues which circle the acceptance of white supremacy. Concepts of equality and social justice are compromised by the ‘peaceful nation’ of New Zealand. Various non-white communities have reported humiliation, discrimination, and acts of violence against them. The country might have succeeded in bagging the top position in the Global Peace Index, but it certainly does not satisfy to be called an ideal of peace.

5. Austria

It is interesting to note that the 5^th most peaceful country in the world has a record of 1,977 incidents of racial attacks. Multiple cases of institutional racism threaten the very importance of peaceful coexistence in the country. A well-known professor- Farid Hafeez, reported an instance of social injustice. The Muslim activists faced an unreasonable use of force by the Austrian Police. Such instances and records of inhumane behavior undoubtedly stand away from the ethics of a peaceful nation.

6. Singapore

It is surprising to know that the 6^th most peaceful country in the world has been tagged with many negative titles. Being called the ‘most emotionless country in the world,’ the country also bagged the title of the ‘least positive country’ in the world. Not just this, Singapore is said to have the ‘most unhappy employees at work. Does this sound peaceful to you? The citizens pay a price to live in a peaceful country. The citizens, at the expense of their happiness, have to work in an over-competitive environment.

7. Portugal

Surprisingly, the 7th most peaceful country is also the one with a high racial discrimination record. With its far-right ideology and deadly racism, Portugal has raised concerns about its peace globally. To be peaceful should not just be for a specific set of citizens. The Black Movement, followed by Police brutality and harassment, questions the social justice system in this ‘peaceful’ nation. Racism is a crime and must be treated like one, irrespective of the country’s reputation.

8. Slovenia

A report by the Peace Institute revealed high rates of discrimination in Slovenia, the eighth most peaceful country in the world. The negative peace indicators by the GPI certainly have no provisions to analyze a country’s peace in terms of positive peace factors. Slovenia has a prevalent history of discrimination based on color, ethnicity, gender, religion, and nationality. Such records indicate questionable standards of a peaceful society. Notably, the Roma population has faced high levels of discrimination in the education and employment sectors. Again questioning the principles of social justice, peace, and equality within the Slovenian society.

9. Japan

Japan’s pacifist approach significantly contradicts its unresolved and fuelled tensions with neighbors- China and South Korea. Such situations question the country’s regional peace principles. If the GPI focused on positive peace indicators, Japan would not have been on the list as the positive indicators emphasize relations with neighbors to analyze a country’s principles on regional peace. Another concern that questions Japan’s reputation is its controversial issue of the “hostage” system. A system that detains a criminal suspect in harsh conditions. Such systems go against the very concept of human rights. Additionally, Japan has refused to sign the nuclear disarmament deal, which questions its ideals toward a nuclear-free world.

10. Switzerland

Switzerland proclaims itself to be a militarily neutral and peaceful nation. The country ranked 10^th in the GPI, contradicting its values on peace and humanitarianism by exporting weapons in the conflict-prone areas of the world. The reports reveal that Switzerland’s arms export rose to $1 billion. Noting a surprising growth of 29% from the last year.

Various examples question its reputation as a peaceful nation. For a nation that speaks of peace internationally, can in any manner justify exporting any arms? For instance, Swiss hand grenades known to be exported to UAE were found to be used in the civil war in Syria. This brings the GPI into question as to how a country that contributes to human suffering can be called one of the most peaceful.

The reliance of the Global Peace Index only on the negative indicators of peace has limited its value in assessing a nation’s peacefulness in an absolute sense. Peace is a lot more than the mere absence of war and violence. Each of the top 10 most peaceful countries lacks the value to be called an ideal of peace. The most shared trait of all these ‘peaceful nations’ circles around social injustice, discrimination, or self-interest.

To be tagged as the most peaceful is a tag worth maintaining but certainly not at the cost of humanitarian values. Enough emphasis should be laid on collective efforts by all these nations to inspire, help and satisfy all the negative as well as positive indicators of peace around the globe.