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The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released the 'Developments and Trends in Multilateral Peace Operations, 2025' factsheet on 25 May 2026 (as reported by VisionIAS). The report highlights key challenges confronting multilateral peace operations, including a $2 billion UN funding shortfall due to unpaid donor contributions (notably from the USA), geopolitical gridlock in the UN Security Council affecting mandate renewals, and a rise in ad hoc interventions by middle powers. It notes that all top 10 military and police-contributing nations, including India, are from the Global South, indicating an unequal burden. In 2025, there were 58 active peacekeeping operations in 34 countries, dropping below the threshold of 60 for the first time since 2016.
UN peacekeeping began in 1948 with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East. [General Knowledge: Over the decades, peacekeeping evolved from traditional observer missions to complex multidimensional operations involving civilian, police, and military components. Major milestones include the first armed peacekeeping mission (UNEF I in 1956) and the expansion of mandates during the 1990s (e.g., UNPROFOR in the Balkans).] Key missions mentioned in the report include UNMISET (East Timor, 2002-2005), MINUSTAH (Haiti, 2004-2017), MINURCAT (Central African Republic and Chad, 2007-2010), UNMIL (Liberia, 2003-2018), and UNMOGIP (India and Pakistan, since 1949). The three core principles of peacekeeping are: consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate. The recent challenges reflect growing geopolitical tensions and funding constraints, with the 2025 factsheet underscoring a decline in deployments and shifting priorities of major donors.
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4 JunPolitical & Constitutional Dimensions: The report highlights geopolitical gridlock in the UN Security Council (UNSC) as a major challenge. [General Knowledge: Under the UN Charter, the UNSC has primary responsibility for international peace and security, with permanent members holding veto power.] The U.S. push to terminate UNIFIL reflects unilateralism that undermines multilateral consensus. Proponents argue that peacekeeping mandates must adapt to contemporary realities, while critics contend that veto threats and ad hoc interventions erode the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping. This aligns with broader debates about UNSC reform and the need for more inclusive decision-making.
Economic & Financial Impact: The $2 billion shortfall directly impacts personnel deployments and mission sustainability. Developed countries' unpaid contributions shift the financial burden to the UN budget, while the EU's diversion of EPF funding from Africa to Ukraine and West Asia reduces resources for conflict zones. Proponents of these shifts argue they reflect evolving geopolitical priorities (e.g., countering Russian aggression). Critics highlight that disinvestment in African missions exacerbates instability, creating long-term costs globally. The report emphasizes the need for predictable funding and greater burden-sharing by developed countries.
Social Dimensions: The unequal burden on the Global South—where all top 10 troop-contributing countries are from developing nations—raises equity concerns. Countries like India bear significant human and material costs for global peace, while developed nations contribute less in personnel but dominate decision-making. This asymmetry can lead to resentment and undermines the principle of collective responsibility. Proponents of current arrangements note that peacekeeping provides financial compensation and training benefits to contributing countries. Critics argue that it perpetuates a neo-colonial dynamic, with the Global South shouldering risks while the Global North controls mandates and funding.
Governance & Administrative Aspects: Implementation challenges include coordinating with regional organizations, adapting to ad hoc interventions, and maintaining operational effectiveness amid funding cuts. The rise of bilateral agreements (e.g., by the UAE) bypasses UN frameworks, complicating conflict resolution. Proponents of ad hoc missions highlight their speed and flexibility. Critics argue they lack the legitimacy and comprehensive approach of UN-led operations, often prioritizing short-term security over long-term peacebuilding. The report calls for stronger cooperation with regional organizations to address evolving security challenges.
International Perspective: The decline in personnel deployments (below 60 operations) signals a broader crisis in multilateralism. The U.S. and EU's shift in focus from Africa to Ukraine and West Asia reflects a reordering of global priorities. [General Knowledge: This has implications for the UN's Agenda for Peace and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16).] The findings align with other reports (e.g., from the UN Secretary-General) highlighting the need for reform. Strengthening peacekeeping requires addressing root causes of conflict, which ad hoc interventions often neglect.
The factsheet itself suggests: predictable funding, greater burden-sharing by developed countries, and stronger cooperation with regional organizations. [General Knowledge: Additionally, the 2015 HIPPO Report (High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations) recommended: political primacy in conflict resolution, more robust mandates, and improved performance frameworks.] Short-term measures could include: expediting payment of assessed contributions by major donors and establishing a contingency fund to prevent personnel cuts. Medium-term reforms: enhancing partnerships with regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) to share operational costs and expertise. Long-term vision: reforming the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, including expanding permanent membership to developing nations, and moving towards a more equitable burden-sharing model. International best practices include the AU's proactive peace enforcement (e.g., AMISOM) and the EU's integrated civilian-military missions. These efforts should be aligned with the UN's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative to strengthen collective peacekeeping capabilities.