The annual GPI index “Vision of Humanity” was published on the 160th constitution day of Denmark (yesterday that was). DK got a nice gift on the occasion. Once again DK is the second most peaceful (and stable) country in the world. Only NZ is a notch ahead again.
Have a look at the figures and methodology at the GPI site for more info. And try also to make a comparison between two countries – like for instance Denmark and Jordan (ranking 64th). It is clear where the big and decisive differences are. Political instability, likelihood of violent demonstrations and military expenditure.
Looking a bit more closely you will see the very large difference in the driving political factors of democracy and transparency. Very low Jordanian scores on electoral process, functioning of government, political participation, civil liberties and corruption. These political factors are among the most important drivers of peacefulness and stability.
June 7, 2009 at 02:52
“electoral process, functioning of government, political participation, civil liberties and corruption. These political factors are among the most important drivers of peacefulness and stability.”
While I agree in theory, Qatar is ranked 16th on that list and I don’t think it qualifies for any of those prerequisites. Neither does Oman, which ranked higher than the UK.
In any case, this whole index is one that I always found to be a bit fishy. Peace and stability is incredibly difficult to measure and you run the risk of putting all of the world’s countries in one lump, which this list does.
Peace is relative.
So is stability.
There are a myriad of issues that are often times beyond the control of countries and their populations. We are all slaves to the realities that govern us, be they regional, domestic or otherwise. No two countries are the same, and these lists tend to emphasize common denominators over other variables that change the whole nature of the equation in my opinion
June 7, 2009 at 19:01
I agree with you to a large degree. But try to have a look at the different country rankings across the board whether it is peace, freedom, openness, hapiness, corruption to mention a few. The top 10 is always the same group of – smaller, egalitarian, homogenous (and tax heavy!) – countries. It seems like a pattern – they must do something right.
June 8, 2009 at 09:14
Ranking is always a relative issue. Some factors have more weight than others. Although Qatar and Oman do not enjoy political freedoms but they enjoy affluence and wealth. which can be considered a major factor. I see the ranking logical inj terms of the indicators of quality of life, and I guess Jordan’s position is not bad at all.