Behind the Numbers: Assessing Indices of Peace, Conflict, and Instability

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Specialists:

"[Indices] represent a broad movement to 'make the important measurable,' to quote former Sec. Def. McNamara, 'instead of making the measurable important.'"

Can peace and stability be measured? If so, what are some of the most helpful indicators for determining at-risk countries and regions? What is the significance of resulting rankings and changes from year to year?

The Institute tried to bring light to these questions by looking at three indices that attempt to quantify aspects of countries' peacefulness, conflict, and instability: the Failed States Index, the Global Peace Index, and Peace and Conflict Instability Ledger. The panel examined the meaning, methodologies, and utility for policymakers and researchers of these and other indices.

Speakers

Pauline Baker
Fund for Peace
Joseph Hewitt
Center for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland
Steve Killelea
Global Peace Index
Lawrence Woocher [2], Discussant
U.S. Institute of Peace
Ian Larsen [3], Moderator
U.S. Institute of Peace