Nations Maintaining Peace Amid War and Tension

As of 2025, global conflict between nations has reached its highest level since World War II, with three new conflicts emerging this year alone. While many countries are responding with military buildup, some nations continue to prioritize peace as their core value.

The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) published by the Institute for Economics and Peace analyzes 23 indicators including external conflicts, military spending, terrorism risk, and homicide rates to measure each country's peace level. Top-ranking countries have maintained stable positions for nearly 20 years, proving that peace policies can deliver long-term stability.

#1 Iceland: World's Most Peaceful Nation for 18 Consecutive Years

Iceland has held the GPI's top position since 2008. It achieved the highest scores across all three domains—safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarization—and improved by 2% from the previous year, widening the gap with second place.

Inga Ros Antoniusdottir, head of Intrepid Travel Nordic, explains: "While the harsh winter climate doesn't always provide a sense of security, the community does. You can walk alone at night with almost no worry, see babies sleeping peacefully in strollers while parents dine or shop in cafes and stores, and police don't carry weapons."

She emphasizes that gender equality policies contribute to women's sense of safety, adding that "equal opportunity and a solid social system create a fairer and safer society for everyone."

#2 Ireland: From Conflict History to Peace

Ireland, plagued by conflict throughout the 20th century, now prioritizes peace above all. The country earned high scores by reducing militarization annually and ranks among nations with the least domestic and international conflict. Low perceptions of crime and violence helped it enter the top 10 in the safety and security domain.

#3 New Zealand: The Peaceful Island of the South Pacific

New Zealand maintains peace through geographic isolation combined with inclusive social policies. Low crime rates and a strong social safety net provide residents with a high sense of stability.

#4 Austria: The Neutral Nation Tradition

As a permanently neutral country, Austria does not participate in military alliances and pursues conflict resolution through diplomacy and dialogue. Low military spending and a stable social system contribute to its peace index.

#5 Singapore: Asia's Safe City-State

Singapore ranks as Asia's safest country through strict law enforcement and an efficient security system. Low crime rates and political stability support its peace index.

How Peace Becomes Part of Daily Life

Common features among top-ranking countries include reduced militarization, strengthened social safety nets, gender equality policies, and low crime rates. Rather than short-term security enhancement, these nations invest in long-term social stability and community trust building, enabling residents to experience peace in their daily lives.

Inga recommends visitors "talk with locals at geothermal pools, climb Mount Esja outside Reykjavik, or trek the highlands for several days to experience the real Iceland." She notes that "the real Iceland is found in the vibrant music and arts scene, nature beyond major cities, and in all weather conditions."

Implications for South Korea [AI Analysis]

South Korea remains in the lower-middle tier of the GPI due to military tensions with North Korea, conscription, and high military spending. However, its low homicide rate and stable social system are positive factors.

The examples of top-ranking countries demonstrate that the core of peace lies not only in reduced militarization but in gender equality, social safety nets, and community trust building. Even considering the unique security situation on the Korean Peninsula, there is potential to increase the level of "perceived peace" through reduced social conflict and strengthened inclusive policies.

Additionally, Iceland's gender equality policies and Ireland's historical reconciliation process can serve as models for Korean society. Even as military tensions persist, improving internal social stability and trust is expected to contribute to long-term peace index improvement.