What country does the most good for the rest of the world? And furthermore, how does a person go about measuring something like that? In a recent TED talk, Simon Anholt reveals he thinks he has the answers to both of those questions. Using data from the United Nations as well as NGOs, certain international agencies, and select other organizations, his “Good Country Index” uses 35 datasets across seven categories to rate 125 nations.
So who comes out on top? Ireland. The rest of the top 10, in order, are: Finland, Switzerland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Belgium. The United States comes in at 21st. China is ranked 107th, and the Russian Federation is 95th. The seven primary categories nations are ranked in are science and technology, culture, international peace and security, world order, planet and climate, prosperity and equality, and health and wellbeing. You can find out more about the methodology of the study here, or watch the video below for more information.
Here’s his TED presentation on the project:
Curious to know why the United States comes in at only 21st? Well, it mostly has to do with our foreign policy. In the category of international peace and security, we are ranked 114, sharply dragging down the rest of our score. There are five variables within that category which influence the score, and we’re doing horrifically in three of them: international violent conflict (wars or sponsored wars), arms exports (military industrial complex), and cyber security (thanks, NSA). So, what can we do to change? What are we supposed to do with this information?
According to the FAQ on the page, the solution is simple — help governments think more outwardly, more cooperatively, rather than competitively. The simplicity of that solution belies the complicated nature of such a task.
I’m a millennial with an attitude, and I’m tired of a left wing that has stopped being willing to rise up and fight for the rights of the people. In my short career, I’ve published hundreds of articles on many topics. You can follow me on Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or?Instagram.
