While the ever-increasing number of armed conflicts and other cross-border crises calls for multilateral solutions, the United Nations (UN) seems increasingly incapable of responding effectively to the numerous security threats. This can also be seen in the crisis-ridden UN peacekeeping missions. These must undoubtedly adapt to new circumstances and Germany can play a central role here, especially this year.
In our latest Perspective, our author Kirsten Hartmann sheds light on the current crisis in peace operations, looks to their future and outlines three concrete options for action for German decision-makers. Germany should 1) utilise its political power, 2) shape the future through (more) personnel and 3) deepen its knowledge of UN peace operations and raise awareness.
Our author makes it clear that Germany, together with the other UN member states, must find a new consensus on the role of peace operations. Credible support for UN peace operations is urgently needed, as is an understanding of the missions as part of a holistic UN approach to peacebuilding. Kirsten Hartmann emphasises that there will be many opportunities for greater German involvement in UN peace operations in 2025, which must be seized: Germany is hosting the Peacekeeping Ministerial for the first time in May, is chairing the UN Peacebuilding Commission and is currently applying for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027/28.
