Estimating the Cost of Positive Peace

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study aimed to determine the estimated cost of positive peace (CoPP) that countries make in their key institutions or the main contributors to maintaining and sustaining peace. Using a system, structure, and attitude approach and the latest globally available data on countries’ spending on the military, judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and education, CoPP is estimated. The study found an estimated average CoPP of US$ 1,693 billion or US$ 1,244 per capita per annum in 55 sampled countries for 2015. The analysis further suggests that there are two main categories of costs: a) costs of maintaining positive peace, and b) costs of sustaining positive peace. The study found that the countries with a higher level of positive peace invest more in sustaining peace which decreases with the decline in positive peace. In contrast, the countries with a lower level of positive peace invest more in maintaining peace which decreases with the increase in positive peace. The findings also show that countries governing the welfare state model, tend to be more peaceful, with a higher share in sustaining peace. Similarly, cultural, ethnic, and social homogeneity is found to be contributing factors to shaping positive societal attitudes, though further investigations are required.