Q1: Place your cursor on the world map and find where the U.S. ranks relative to other countries. Is the ranking higher or lower than what you expected?
The rank of the U.S. compared to other countries was noted to be 88th among 158 countries as of 2012. Therefore, its rank is considered even below that of the mid-point which is rank 79 (Peru) . This rank is deemed lower than what one expected.
Q2: Click on 2012 GPI Findings in the left column, and then open Map of 2012 Results and Rankings under 2012 RANKINGS in the left column of the new page. In the list of 2012 Rankings, identify the 5 most peaceful nations and the 5 least peaceful nations.
Q3: Scroll down the first page and click on the tabs GPI Indicators and Other Factors, which are used to measure the degree of peace in this study. Among those indicators/factors, name TWO that you think are most important to improve our society. Also, briefly discuss why you think the two factors are especially important.
The two GPI indicators that are most important to improve in the U.S. society to increase its ranking as a peaceful nation are: (1) military capability (5.0); and (2) jailed population (4.5) . According to the site, in terms of military capability, the United States’ ranking is very high; which was described as “qualitative assessment of the grade of military sophistication and the extent of military research and development” . Likewise, in terms of jailed population, the ranking of 4.5 indicates “prison population rates per 100,000 of the national population” .
Therefore, to significantly improve the ranking of the U.S. in terms of global peace, these two GPI factors that were considered contributory to the nation’s being pegged as less peaceful should be addressed. However, as one evaluates these factors, one acknowledges that the very high ranking of the U.S. in terms of military capability could not be compromised and this is in fact needed to defend itself against terrorism and violent aggression from other international nations. On the other hand, the prison population could still be improved through a re-evaluation of the criminal justice system. The U.S. justice policymakers could determine which segment of the population could benefit from avoiding immediate incarceration; especially among juvenile offenders.
Other GPI factors which were noted to be contributory to lesser peace in the U.S. includes: access to weapons (3.0); political terror (3.0); weapons exports (3.0); and deaths from external conflicts (3.0) . If these other factors are also appropriately addressed, then, the possibility of improving the peace, safety and security ranking of the United States is most possible.
Works Cited
"Global Peace Index 2012." June 2012. The Institute for Economics and Peace. http://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2012-GPI-Map-with-Rankings-and-Scores.pdf. 6 June 2013.
"Global Peace Index: United States of America." June 2012. The Institute for Economics and Peace. https://manage.writerbay.com/cases?case=236959. 6 June 2013.
