The Peace Index

Introduction: The War

Think about the time when you were completely at Peace. How long has it been since you experienced that feeling of freedom?

Real Peace. Most people want it, but it often feels unattainable—especially in the world we experience daily.

What is the opposite of Peace?

The answer is war. Conflict, hostility, or hatred as well. Ultimately, the opposite of Peace is chaotic unrest.

You can see chaos in the socioeconomic strains and geopolitical fractures that have led to a tsunami of global instability. We all know them as we review this partial list:

• Nations at war
• A global pandemic
• Political chaos
• Social unrest
• The climate
• Economic upheaval
• Distrust of people

It's no wonder global stress is so high. A Harris Poll, on behalf of the American Psychology Association, revealed the following:

“More adults rated inflation and issues related to the invasion of Ukraine as stressors that are higher than any other issue asked about in the 15‐year history of the Stress in America poll. This comes on top of money stress at the highest recorded level since 2015, according to a broader Stress in America poll fielded last month.”¹

The world is full of chaos, which leads to anxiety, gloom, and unrest.

What Happens When There Is No Peace?

A world of chaos camouflages Peace. In this state it is hard to see anything but turmoil.

The book Mind of the Athlete by Dr. Jarrod Spencer² talks about the four primary negative emotions people tend to struggle with when there is conflict: ...