UN Peacekeeping Missions Jeopardised by Geopolitical Tensions and Funding Crisis, SIPRI Warns
Quick Look
- SIPRI warns that geopolitical tensions and funding shortages are jeopardizing UN peacekeeping missions.
- The number of deployed international staff fell to under 79,000 in 2025, the lowest in 25 years, with 58 operations active, below 60 for the first time since 2016.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Geopolitical tensions and a funding crisis are jeopardizing peacekeeping missions, particularly those under the United Nations. The number of deployed international staff has reached a 25-year low, and the total number of operations has dropped below 60 for the first time since 2016.
Geopolitical tensions and a funding crisis are jeopardising peacekeeping missions, particularly those under the auspices of the United Nations, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warned on Monday.
Just under 79,000 international staff were deployed in international peacekeeping operations at the end of 2025, the lowest number in at least 25 years, the institute said in a report.
“The result is likely to be more conflicts and these conflicts are likely to have even graver impacts on civilians as states abandon long-established norms.”
A total of 58 peacekeeping operations were in place in 2025, dropping below the threshold of 60 for the first time since 2016.
Nearly three-quarters of deployed staff were serving in five countries – Central African Republic, South Sudan, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Lebanon.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
More conflicts and graver impacts on civilians.
Likely · Medium term
Open Questions
- What specific geopolitical tensions are most impacting peacekeeping?
- What are the primary reasons for the funding crisis?
- What measures are being considered to address the funding shortfall?
- What are the projected consequences for civilian populations in conflict zones?
