The Institute for Economics and Peace Limited (IEP) is an Australian nonprofit organization and global think tank headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with additional offices in New York City, Mexico City, Oxford, and other locations worldwide. Founded in 2007 by technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Killelea, the Institute specializes in the study of the relationship between peace, business, and prosperity, focusing on the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence peacefulness globally[2][5].

Mission and Work

IEP aims to transform how peace is understood and promoted by developing innovative research tools and indices that analyze peace and conflict dynamics worldwide. Central to its mission is the creation of global and national peace and risk indices, the calculation of the economic costs of violence, and the analysis of country-level risk and fragility. The Institute also promotes the concept of Positive Peace, which involves the attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies[1][5].

The Institute’s research supports governments, academic institutions, think tanks, NGOs, and intergovernmental entities such as the OECD, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank, and the United Nations. Its work has generated over 20 billion media impressions across more than 150 countries annually, reflecting its extensive influence on peacebuilding, security, defense, terrorism studies, and international development[1][5].

Key Publications and Indices

The most notable output of the Institute for Economics and Peace is the Global Peace Index (GPI), a comprehensive annual benchmark that measures the relative peacefulness of countries and regions worldwide. The GPI methodology is developed with input from an international panel of peace and statistics experts, utilizing data partly collected by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The index is widely cited and used by major international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, and has been incorporated in several editions of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Yearbook. As of 2015, the GPI assessed 162 countries, providing critical insights into global peace trends[2].

In addition to the GPI, IEP produces the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), which examines patterns and impacts of terrorism globally, including emerging issues such as the influence of artificial intelligence on terrorism. These indices and related research help inform policymakers and the international community about peace challenges and opportunities[1].

Partnerships and Collaborations

IEP collaborates with a diverse range of institutions including the Aspen Institute, Economists for Peace and Security, the United Nations Global Compact, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Cranfield University, the OECD, the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP, and the UN Peacebuilding Support Office. These partnerships extend the reach and application of the Institute’s research in practical peacebuilding efforts around the world[2].

Events and Capacity Building

Beyond research, the Institute fosters capacity building through project design, policy advisory roles, and leadership strengthening in peace and conflict sectors. It also participates in and facilitates international conferences and workshops, such as sessions at the YPO Peace Action Network, aiming to engage business leaders and other stakeholders in promoting stability and prosperity through peace[1].

The Institute for Economics and Peace remains a prominent and influential organization dedicated to advancing global peace through data-driven research, policy influence, and multi-sector collaboration. It is registered as an Australian charity under ABN 15134203419RR0001.

[1] https://www.economicsandpeace.org [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_for_Economics_and_Peace [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/8ba33e5e-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/8ba33e5e-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/73239223-50c8-e811-a964-000d3ad244fd [5] https://reliefweb.int/organization/iep