Susan HartleyArticle contentSince 2007 the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) has published the Global Peace Index, a measure of a nation’s peacefulness based on 23 indicators related to levels of conflict, insecurity, and peace. The findings from the IEP’s research cluster into eight factors that are present in the most secure or peaceful countries and have come to be known as the Pillars of Positive Peace. This framework informs us about how to create a resilient society, country, and community that will provide security for all people in the face of potential or predictable crises; whether they are natural disasters or man-made aggression.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle contentTwo key pillars, Equitable Distribution of Resources and Acceptance of the Rights of Others, underscore the relationship between social justice and peace. As is the case for all of the pillars, these pillars are not strengthened by military expenditure but by addressing the inequities and discrimination that exists in our societies, undermines our security, and makes us vulnerable to civil unrest. Investing in the pillars of positive peace, the research shows, creates a more resilient and secure society.Article contentArticle contentThe pillars are a recipe, if you like, on how to build security at a time of increasing global insecurity and as nations consider options for how to spend on security measures. The ingredient that seems to be missing in this recipe – the catalyst to make the result successful – is, in my opinion, courage.Article contentHere in P.E.I., we have a policy proposal on the table that will take us a long way toward building security at home: basic income guarantee. The P.E.I. Working Group for a Liveable Income has been the driving force for BIG for the past 22 years. The group has worked with advocates across Canada to develop this fully costed proposal.Article contentArticle contentThrough BIG, resources are distributed more equitably and the right for all people to have their basic needs met is actualized. This proposal is in the hands of the P.E.I. provincial government and the federal government. It is ready to move forward, and has the support of economists, politicians and the broader community. It will only take political courage and will to take the next step toward the security that comes with income equity.Article contentThese are anxious times. Difficult and potentially unpopular decisions must be made. As a psychologist, I would encourage clients experiencing heightened states of anxiety to step over the threshold and manage the anxiety that comes with change or unfamiliarity rather than avoid experiencing anxiety. We have a choice — we can withdraw farther and farther into an insular and small world by avoiding making the tough decisions — avoid stepping over the threshold, or we can take steps over the threshold, be courageous and become more resilient, have more positive and stable well-being — and create a more secure environment from which we recover more fully from crises.
COMMENTARY: Security starts at home with a basic income guarantee
