SIPRI Reports Global Peacekeeping Troop Numbers at 25-Year Low Amid Funding Crisis
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has reported a significant decline in the number of military personnel engaged in global peacekeeping operations, reaching the lowest level in at least 25 years by the end of 2025. The number of deployed personnel fell to 78,633, marking a 17% decrease from the previous year and a 49% drop since 2016. This reduction is primarily attributed to a funding crisis within the United Nations, exacerbated by delayed or unpaid contributions from major donors. The funding shortfall has led to cuts in personnel across several major operations. SIPRI highlights that geopolitical tensions and a lack of financial support are threatening the viability of multilateral peacekeeping efforts. The United States, under President Trump, has taken significant actions to withdraw from or defund various UN bodies, including efforts to end the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil). 
