How boring peace is

A GLOBAL statistical comparison between violence/war and peace initiatives reveals a disconcerting "information and investment asymmetry."

While violence is characterized by high reporting frequency and massive capital outlays, peace initiatives are often statistically "silent" and underfunded. As of early 2026, based on the latest Global Peace Index (gpi) and media analysis reports, the information gap between media coverage of war and perceptions of positive peace has worsened to 220:1. Research on "war journalism" versus "peace journalism" demonstrates that conflict-based narratives dominate the news landscape because they align with traditional "news values" (immediacy, drama, and simplicity). Studies indicate that negative words in headlines increase click-through rates (CTR) by approximately 2–5% for each negative word, while positive words reduce consumption. In economically developed regions, news outlets produce an average of 1,663 articles for each conflict victim, while in low-income regions (where many peace initiatives occur), that number drops to 17.4. A content analysis of global news found that only 4% of conflict-related stories explicitly discussed peace negotiations, treaties, or structural solutions.

IN THE ASIAN CONTEXT, A STATISTICAL COMPARISON between violence and "positive peace" (the attitudes, institutions, and structures that support a peaceful society) highlights a significant dividend in terms of resilience. While global headlines often focus on conflict hotspots like Kashmir or Myanmar, data from 2024-2025 show that countries investing in information innovation for peace are achieving far superior economic and social outcomes than those that do not.

Philippines: Call 911* Let's Make Peace
Davao City's Peace 911 project is a shining example of how to operationalize positive peace to end armed violence.
The problem: The Paquibato district was the site of a 40-year insurgency by communist rebels. The innovation: Rather than a purely military response, the city launched Peace 911, focusing on the pillars of positive peace. Equitable distribution of resources: Caravans of health, legal, and agricultural services were sent to remote villages every two weeks. Free flow of information: A peacekeeping hotline was established. Unwittingly, this also became a safe channel for 92 insurgents to surrender peacefully within a few months. Statistical result: Within nine months, for the first time in forty years, the army declared the area "insurgency-free."
The literacy rate has improved, and student enrollment has doubled (from 327 to 805). Davao City is now the second most peaceful and safe city in the Philippines.
* 911 is the emergency number in the Philippines and in many parts of the world, similar to 112 in Europe.

Sandro Calvani
NP February 2026