The Eight Pillars of Positive Peace By Alkrty, Human Rights Activist Published on: February 3, 2022, by IEP- Republished again in October 2025

 

The Eight Pillars of Positive Peace

By Alkrty, Human Rights Activist
Published on: February 3, 2022, by IEP- Republished again in October 2025

As a human rights advocate, I believe that all states across the world should continuously monitor and strengthen the eight essential elements of peace. True peace is not merely the absence of violence — it is the presence of justice, equality, and well-being. To build societies where human dignity can truly flourish, we must focus on the factors that create and sustain peaceful coexistence.

Understanding Positive Peace

Positive Peace represents the attitudes, institutions, and structures that support and sustain peaceful societies. It is the foundation for resilience, good governance, human development, and social harmony. The Positive Peace Index (PPI), developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), measures the strength of these factors across 163 countries  covering 99.7% of the world’s population.

This comprehensive global index provides policymakers, civil society, and citizens with an actionable framework for progress. By improving Positive Peace, societies not only become safer but also more just, prosperous, and ecologically sustainable.

The Eight Pillars of Positive Peace

IEP’s research identifies eight interrelated pillars that most strongly correlate with peacefulness and resilience. These pillars are empirically derived  based on over 24,000 data series  and together, they form a holistic foundation for long-term peace.

1. Well-Functioning Government

A government that operates effectively, transparently, and accountably is essential for peace. When citizens trust their leaders and public institutions uphold the rule of law, social stability grows. This pillar reflects government openness, effectiveness, and respect for legal frameworks.

2. Sound Business Environment

A stable and competitive economy supports peace by providing jobs, fostering innovation, and ensuring that people can meet their needs with dignity. A strong business environment  supported by good regulation, financial stability, and fair economic opportunities  helps prevent unrest and inequality.

3. Equitable Distribution of Resources

Peace cannot thrive where inequality persists. Equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities creates fairness and social harmony. This pillar reflects how justly resources and opportunities are shared within society.

4. Acceptance of the Rights of Others

At the heart of peace lies respect for human rights. Peaceful nations uphold both formal laws and social norms that protect all individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. Reducing discrimination, gender inequality, and group grievances is crucial to lasting peace.

5. Good Relations with Neighbours

Both within and between nations, positive relationships strengthen peace. Mutual respect, cooperation, and cultural understanding foster trust and reduce conflict. From community cohesion to international diplomacy, good relations are the glue that binds peaceful societies.

6. Free Flow of Information

Access to truth is a pillar of empowerment. Free, independent, and reliable media allow citizens to make informed decisions and hold power accountable. A transparent information environment builds trust and helps societies respond rationally to crises.

7. High Levels of Human Capital

Education, health, and skill development are the lifeblood of a peaceful and productive nation. When people are healthy, knowledgeable, and engaged, they contribute to stability, innovation, and social resilience.

8. Low Levels of Corruption

Corruption erodes trust and diverts resources from those who need them most. Low corruption fosters confidence in public institutions, fairness in governance, and integrity in economic systems — all of which are essential to maintaining peace and justice.

A Call to Action

As a human rights advocate, I firmly believe that peace is a right, not a privilege. Governments and institutions must not only strive to end conflict but also to build the underlying structures that prevent it from returning.

Monitoring and improving these eight pillars should be a global priority. Each country, regardless of its size or wealth, has the responsibility to strengthen transparency, fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for its people.

The framework of Positive Peace gives us a path forward  one that is empirical, practical, and deeply human. By embracing these principles, the world can move closer to the ultimate goal: a future where every person lives in freedom, dignity, and peace.