2011 Global Peace Index: World Less Peaceful

Results Reveal New Most/Least Peaceful Nations

North African and Middle Eastern Turmoil Drive Regional Scores Down

World's Only Ranking of Nations According to Their Levels of Peacefulness

May 25 Release of 2011 Results at CSIS in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released today by the Institute for Economics and Peace:

WHAT: The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) will present the results of the fifth annual Global Peace Index (GPI) at a panel hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The 2011 GPI reports that overall, the world has become less peaceful. Panelists, including IEP board member Clyde McConaghy, experts from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and CSIS, will discuss the 2011 GPI results; analyze trends in global, regional and national peace, including the impact of events in North Africa and the Middle East; examine changes in the ranking of the United States; and explore links between peace and social sustainability.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:  Center for Strategic and International Studies
B1 Conference Room
1800 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

DETAILS:  The Global Peace Index is an initiative of the Institute for Economics and Peace, an international think tank that explores relationships between business, peace and economic development.

Now in its fifth year, the GPI measures the relative peacefulness of 153 countries by looking at both qualitative and quantitative indicators that combine internal and external factors determining a nation's peacefulness. These include arms imports and exports, violent crime, battlefield deaths, prison populations, potential for terrorism, political stability and the likelihood of violent demonstrations. The Index also seeks to understand how peace impacts global economics and business, and vice versa.

The Index is intended to increase public understanding of the determinants that create and sustain peace, beyond the presence or lack of violent conflict, and serve as a new platform for additional study and discussion that inspires and motivates world leaders and governments to take action.

Developed by the IEP in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit and international peace experts, the GPI has been endorsed by prominent figures including Nobel Peace Laureates Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

WHO: Clyde McConaghy, Board Director, Institute for Economics and Peace
Leo Abruzzese, Editorial Director, North America, Economist Intelligence Unit
Mark Quarterman, Senior Adviser and Director, Program on Crisis, Conflict, and Cooperation (C3) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Additional speakers to be announced.

GPI Results, related maps and charts will be available on May 25 at www.visionofhumanity.org.

About the Institute for Economics and Peace
Formed in 2008 by an endowment by Mr. Steve Killelea, an Australian international technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, the Institute of Economics and Peace is a research institute that aims to help the private sector, academic community, civil society, international institutions and governments gain a better understanding of how peace and economics are linked, and how to proactively use peace to achieve their goals. The Institute conducts research and education, generates dialogue, and publicizes the output of its activities with a view to impacting the public agenda and contributing significantly to the public debate on peace.  

SOURCE Institute for Economics and Peace