Peace vs Violence within the US

Brief: Analysis of the Global Peace Index and United States Peace Index

The Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2023 shows a continued deterioration in global peacefulness for the ninth consecutive year. 84 countries recorded improvements, while 79 deteriorated. Key factors include increased conflict deaths, economic impacts of violence, and internationalization of conflicts. Ukraine experienced significant deterioration due to the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. Peace Index (USPI) from 2010 key findings show that it has become more peaceful over the past 20 years. Maine is the most peaceful state, while Louisiana is the least. Northeast is the most peaceful region; the South is the least. Economic benefits are linked to improved peacefulness. A decrease in direct violence, but an increase in prison violence.

The United States' GPI ranking is 131 in 2023—same as in 2008, when it was just below Algeria and just above Venezuela; today, it is just below South Africa and just above Brazil—basically, in developing markets territory. This shows a trend that indicates substantial challenges in US societal safety, which could be characterized by ongoing domestic and international conflicts, and militarization aspects (the US has more military bases around the world than there are countries) (Bledsoe, 2023).

The GPI mirrors the complexities of geopolitical dynamics, international conflicts, and their economic repercussions on a worldwide scale. This broad perspective shows how global events and international relations shape overall peacefulness. On a national level, the USPI highlights regional disparities within the US that are driven by socio-economic factors, crime rates, and local policies, all of which contribute to the disparities in peace across various states (Barash & Webel, 2013).

In terms of spatial patterns, the distribution of peace and conflict is uneven across the globe. Regions like the Middle East and Ukraine are notable for their significant decline in peacefulness, highlighting the impact of ongoing conflicts and their economic consequences. In the United States, a clear spatial pattern emerges. The Northeastern states typically show higher levels of peace compared to the Southern states. This pattern suggests that socio-economic conditions and regional policies play a crucial role in influencing peace within the country (USPI, 2010).

Strategies for Improving US GPI ranking and equitable peace index scores include addressing socio-economic disparities by way of education, healthcare reform, labor investment, criminal justice reform, and community engagement. Policies to reduce crime rates locally and policies to enhance international diplomacy are also recognized as good strategies (Barash & Webel, 2013).