Report: Global Geopolitical Tensions Reach Highest Levels Since World War II

The number of countries engaged in conflicts beyond their borders has reached an unprecedented level since the Second World War, posing significant risks to global stability and economic security, according to the latest report from the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).

Rabat – The number of countries engaged in conflicts beyond their borders has reached an unprecedented level since the Second World War, posing significant risks to global stability and economic security, according to the latest report from the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).

Released on Tuesday, the 18th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), reveals a troubling rise in global conflicts.

Key findings of the report indicate that 97 countries experienced a deterioration in peacefulness in 2023, the highest since the GPI’s inception in 2008.

The wars in Gaza and Ukraine are the major contributors to this grim trend, the report said, adding that worldwide battle deaths reached 162,000 last year, the second-highest annual toll in the last 30 years.

A staggering 92 countries are now involved in international conflicts, underscoring a trend toward increasing militarization and geopolitical tension.

The global economic impact of violence soared to $19.1 trillion in 2023, amounting to 13.5% of the global GDP and posing severe risks to supply chains and economic stability worldwide.

“The rise in conflicts and militarization is alarming,” said Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman of IEP. “We are witnessing a record number of conflicts and heightened international strategic competition. This negatively impacts the global economy, with business risks from conflict higher than ever.”

The report also introduced a new military scoring system, which found that U.S. military capabilities are up to three times higher than those of China.

Despite the overall decline in peacefulness, there were some positive signs: Iceland remains the most peaceful country, and the UAE recorded significant improvements in peacefulness within the Middle East.

Meanwhile, North America saw the largest regional deterioration, driven by rising violent crime and fear of violence. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains the least peaceful region, with Yemen replacing Afghanistan as the world’s least peaceful country.

“It’s been 80 years since the end of WWII, and the current crises underscore the urgency for world leaders to commit to resolving conflicts before they escalate,” Killelea emphasized.