According to the latest report of the “Global Peace Index 2026,” Afghanistan has once again been identified as the least safe country in South Asia and ranks 157th out of 163 countries worldwide. The report also places Afghanistan among the seven least peaceful countries in the world.
The Global Peace Index, published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, indicates that the overall state of peace in Afghanistan has deteriorated by 0.5% compared to last year. However, some internal indicators show signs of relative improvement.
According to the findings, the “Safety and Security” indicator in Afghanistan improved by 1.5%, while the “Political Stability” index increased by 10%. Analysts at the institute attribute these changes primarily to the consolidation of Taliban control over the country’s political structure and security institutions.
The report states that the absence of an organized political opposition and the restriction of opposition activities have reduced the likelihood of large-scale internal unrest in the short term.
Despite this, the Institute for Economics and Peace warns that the continuation of an inclusive government deficit, ongoing international isolation, and the lack of citizen political participation remain among the most significant challenges to sustainable stability in Afghanistan.
After nearly five years in power, the Taliban have still not been recognized by most countries, with Russia being the only state to have formally established official relations with their administration.
The report further notes that the “Ongoing Conflict” indicator in Afghanistan decreased by 1.9%. One of the main factors behind this change is a 19.2% increase in casualties resulting from external conflicts.
According to the report’s authors, escalating tensions and border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan over the past year have been significant factors affecting Afghanistan’s security situation. The report suggests that part of Afghanistan’s security challenges has shifted from internal conflict toward cross-border tensions.
In recent months, multiple attacks and clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistan have been reported. Islamabad has described these operations as part of its counterterrorism efforts, while the Taliban have repeatedly reported civilian casualties resulting from these strikes.
According to the Global Peace Index 2026, Afghanistan is listed alongside Russia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and South Sudan among the world’s least peaceful countries.
In contrast, Iceland, New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia, Ireland, and Austria have been identified as the most peaceful countries in the world.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
