This year’s Global Peace Index, GPI, shows that the world’s average level of peacefulness declined by 0.56 percent showing a global trend, as 95 out of 163 countries recorded a deterioration in their peacefulness index score. This deterioration is a continuation of a trend that started 16 years ago and has now led the world to be at its most conflicting state ever since the Second World War.
Sweden, known for its neutrality and reputation as a peaceful country finds itself in a fairly middle position, landing 39th on the scale. Right under North Macedonia, Oman and Romania and a long way behind its Nordic neighbors which scored: 8th place for Denmark, 13th for Finland and 28th for Norway.
Sweden’s ranking seems especially concerning compared to where it stood only 10 years ago. Back in 2014, Sweden reached almost the top 10, by landing the 11th position in the GPI.
According to the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society, SPAS, Sweden’s recent decision to join the NATO has led to a statal change of values. Which could contribute to the country’s low score in “peacefulness” in the ranking.
As pointed by SPAS, Sweden’s arm trade has also contributed to the recent change in Sweden’s stance as Brazil received what would constitute almost 100 million U.S dollars in arm exportation from Sweden. Closely followed by Ukraine and the U.S whose totals added up to over 100 million U.S dollars.
War speculations are closer to Swedish homes than ever. Only a few weeks ago a pamphlet that read: “In case of crisis or war” reached everyone’s door. The brochure that contained advice on how to act in case of war was an initiative from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, who claimed that “The national security situation has changed drastically” and therefore people needed to be aware and “prepared” for a crisis of war.
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
The global tendency, as pointed in this year’s GPI is towards a less peaceful world, another factor affecting Sweden’s position in the ranking.
The main reasons, pointed by the Institute of Economy and Peace, for a global decline in the peace index is the “transition from a unipolar worlddominated by the United States to a multipolar one”.
The transition has translated in the division of power amongst countries and therefore the spread of conflicts. This has resulted in the internationalization of disputes with 92 countries being engaged in conflicts beyond their own borders.
“There are currently 56 active conflicts, the most since the end of the Second World War, and with fewer conflicts being resolved, either militarily or through peace agreements.”, claims the Institute of Peace and Economy.
Other causes to the current situation are the advancements of military technology, the increasing geopolitical competition, and the prolongation of conflicts due to the lack of resolution.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Getting closer to the end of 2024 Global Peace Index report has given us another reason to look around at the international landscape and reflect on the reality that is affecting the world. Sweden’s low score is a call for attention that everyone should pick up.
“Peace is a journey of a thousand miles, and it must be taken one step at a time.”, says the famous quote. But then, what is the next step in the Swedish Journey?
By: Maite Allerborn