In it, the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) highlighted the key challenges confronting multilateral peace operations. 

Key Challenges faced by Peacekeeping Operations

• Funding Shortfall: Unpaid donor contributions (from countries like the USA) caused a $2 billion UN shortfall, forcing deep cuts to peace personnel numbers.
• Geopolitical Gridlock: UN Security Council veto threats complicate mandate renewals. E.g., U.S. is pushing for the termination of missions like the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
• Defunding of Regional Missions: E.g., EU redirecting its European Peace Facility (EPF) funding from Africa towards Ukraine and West Asia. 
• Rise of Ad Hoc Interventions: E.g., Middle powers (like UAE) are using bilateral military agreements that prioritize short-term security over long-term conflict resolution.
• Unequal Burden on the Global South: All top 10 military and police-contributing nations including India are from the Global South.
• Historic Lows in Personnel Deployments: There were 58 active peacekeeping operations in 34 countries in 2025, dropping below the threshold of 60 for the first time since 2016.

Strengthening peacekeeping operations requires predictable funding, greater burden-sharing by developed countries, and stronger cooperation with regional organizations to address evolving global security challenges.