The world longs for peace, but it is currently not in sight.image: keystone
The world has never been less peaceful in the last 20 years than it is today: According to the Global Peace Index 2026, security deteriorated in almost 100 countries last year. After all: Switzerland remains one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
June 11, 2026, 11:17 amJune 11, 2026, 11:17 am
It’s not surprising: The Global Peace Index 2026 paints a bleak picture of the current global security situation. The world is currently less peaceful than at any time since the index was first published in 2007. In 2025, average peacefulness deteriorated by another 0.7 percent, marking the 12th consecutive decline. In total, 99 countries saw their peace scores decline, while only 62 made improvements. Compared to 2008, 119 countries are less peaceful today than they were back then.
Only Europe has remained largely stable in terms of peace, but the “Old Continent” is also showing signs of increasing militarization. Armament spending in particular has recently increased significantly. Although Switzerland has lost one place in the annual ranking, it remains one of the most peaceful countries in the world, along with Iceland, New Zealand, Slovenia and Ireland. The reasons listed are political stability, low internal violence and good relations with neighboring countries.
The situation is completely different in certain regions of the Middle East and North Africa, which are considered hotspots of deep instability. Countries such as Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Israel are at the bottom of the ranking. Peace indicators also deteriorated significantly in South Asia, not least due to political tensions and outbreaks of violence in countries such as Nepal and Pakistan.
The Global Peace Index
These three result from a total of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators. There is one score per indicator. All points together make up a country’s overall score. The lower this is, the more peaceful the respective country is rated.
As in previous years, Russia occupies last place in the Global Peace Index. Especially because of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which has led to massive loss of life, destruction and regional destabilization. The country shows ongoing militarization, systematic suppression of domestic political opposition and is characterized by international isolation, which significantly increases the risks for Europe and world politics.
The numerous wars and conflicts, internal violence and political destabilization as well as new technologies such as artificial intelligence are mainly responsible for the decline in the global state of peace. The number of deaths from internal conflicts reached a record high of over 181,000 in 2025, and the number of countries involved in external conflicts has almost doubled since 2008 (to 103).
According to the report, the geopolitical influence of traditional Western powers is dwindling, while medium-strong states are gaining regional importance. At the same time, modern technology is dramatically changing warfare – particularly through a massive increase in autonomous drone operations and AI-based weapon systems that are reducing the scope for human control.
The index also shows that domestic conflicts have not only become deadlier, but also more internationally networked: many states provide support or are part of broader conflict dynamics, which reduces the chances of lasting peace solutions.
Fortunately, there are also positive signals: some indicators, for example in the areas of combating terrorism and the financing of UN peace missions, have improved slightly. And the report emphasizes that progress is possible – for example through stabilizing institutions, political reforms or real peace processes, such as those already in place in parts of Africa. Overall, the Global Peace Index 2026 shows that the road to less violence and more global security is long.