The United States Peace Index launched in Washington D.C. on 6 April 2011

Dear Friends,  The United States Peace Index launched in Washington D.C. on 6 April 2011 Dear Friends,  Just two weeks ago, the Institute for Economics and Peace launched the first-ever United States Peace Index (USPI) and we have already seen a tremendous response.  Nearly 200 news stories have featured the report, with the USPI as a must-read story on USA Today and featured inTIME, the Huffington Post, The Washington Times and The Guardian, amongst many others.  We were overwhelmed not only by the level of the response but also by its positive tone.  The USPI ranks the 50 U.S. states according to their levels of peacefulness, identifies the environments associated with peace, and estimates the cost savings and additional economic activity of increased peace.  Click here to watch a short video about the findings.  The report finds that in the U.S., reductions in violent crime and incarceration to levels equal to Canada would yield an estimated $361 billion in direct savings and additional economic activity, and potentially create 2.7 million jobs.  It also shows that peace is linked to health, education, and opportunity but not related to political affiliation.  This research aims to further understand the types of environments that are associated with peace and to help quantify the economic benefits that could result from increases in peace, leading to a more informed discussion around these opportunities. The Index is now being used as a resource for policy discussions, with an op-ed on the report published by a U.S. Congressman and as a tool for advocacy.  Please take a moment to learn more about the U.S. Peace Index here and to share it with your friends.    We look forward to keeping you updated on the work of the Institute for Economics and Peace and thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Steve Killelea Founder