The recently published 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) paints a stark and sobering picture of our world. Far from moving towards greater harmony, the report reveals a fundamental reshaping of the global order, marked by a record decline in peacefulness. We are, quite literally, at an inflection point, with the number of conflicts higher than at any time since World War II, and unsettlingly, becoming increasingly unwinnable and expensive.
The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), who compile the GPI, highlight a worrying trend, The Great Fragmentation. Geopolitical tensions are accelerating, social cohesion is eroding, and an unprecedented 78 countries are now involved in conflicts beyond their borders. This internationalisation of intrastate conflicts has surged by a staggering 175% since 2010. While military expenditure continues to rise globally, investment in conflict prevention has dramatically declined, decreasing by 26% in real terms since 2008. The economic impact of violence alone is colossal, with military spending accounting for a significant portion of the total.
While Western and Central Europe remains the most peaceful region, even here, peacefulness has been falling. This global deterioration demands a comprehensive and thoughtful response from nations like the UK.
Beyond Defence: A Holistic Approach to Global Security
The findings of the 2025 GPI underscore a crucial lesson: security cannot be achieved through military might alone. While a robust defence is undoubtedly necessary in an increasingly volatile world, it is insufficient to address the complex, multi-faceted drivers of conflict outlined in the report. True security, lasting peace, and global stability require a balanced and integrated approach that invests equally in development and diplomacy.
Development tackles the root causes of instability: poverty, inequality, lack of education, climate change vulnerability, and weak institutions. By supporting sustainable development, the UK can help build resilient economies and societies, reducing the grievances and vulnerabilities that fuel conflict.
Diplomacy, meanwhile, is the art of prevention, de-escalation, and resolution. It fosters dialogue, builds trust, and facilitates the negotiated settlements that are so desperately needed. In a world of increasing fragmentation, diplomatic engagement is more critical than ever for shaping international norms, building coalitions, and driving collective action on global challenges.
The UK, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a nation with a proud history of international development, has a unique opportunity and responsibility to champion this integrated approach.
Action: Urge the UK Government to Act for a More Peaceful Future
The UK government must recognise that investing in development and diplomacy directly contributes to our national security and prosperity. We must encourage our MPs to advocate for a foreign policy that truly reflects the interconnected nature of global peace. Write to your MP and encourage them to:
- Recommit to 0.7% of GNI for Overseas Development Assistance (ODA):The GPI highlights the dramatic decline in global investment in conflict prevention. Restoring the ODA budget to 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) would signal the UK’s renewed commitment to tackling the root causes of instability and demonstrate global leadership in fostering peace and resilience.
- Prioritise Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding: At a time of global crisis, we need to continue to advocate for a significant increase in funding specifically allocated to conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives. The GPI shows that while military spending is soaring, investment in preventing conflict is plummeting. We need a fundamental shift in this imbalance.
- Strengthen Diplomatic Capacity and Expertise:Call for increased investment in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), ensuring it has the resources and personnel to lead effective diplomatic efforts, negotiate peace agreements, and build stronger international partnerships. This includes bolstering expertise in areas like mediation, de-escalation, and regional analysis.
- Integrate Development and Diplomacy into all Security Strategies:We need to continue to push for a truly integrated review of UK security, where development and diplomatic considerations are embedded at the heart of all defence and foreign policy decisions, not treated as separate or secondary concerns.
- Champion Multilateralism and International Cooperation:It is vital that we support UK leadership in multilateral institutions like the UN, actively promoting international law, human rights, and collaborative solutions to global challenges. The GPI underscores the need for renewed global integration, not further fragmentation.
By taking these actions, the UK government can move beyond a purely reactive, defence-centric approach to security and instead proactively build a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world – a world that ultimately benefits us all.
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