The Middle East is the cradle of UN peace operations. When Hamas attacked Israel on 07 October 2023, this significantly shifted the dynamics. This dashboard illustrates the comprehensive international engagement in the region, as well as developments and unresolved issues that are particularly relevant to the current process of reshaping the multilateral engagement.

This report summarizes the results of a workshop convened during the 2025 Berlin Climate and Security Conference. It was organized by the CoE, ZIF, CMC, FBA and SIPRI. The report outlines the key conclusions and recommendations, such as the need to systematically incorporate climate change and environmental considerations into dialogue and mediation efforts, in order to support peace agreements that remain viable and resilient in the context of a changing climate.

In addition to our new World Map of Peace Operations 2025/26, the new ZIF dashboard provides –with short texts and infographics – information on current trends in the personnel numbers of peace operations. This year, the “Spotlight” is on humanitarian assistance.

The ZIF World Map provides key information about peace operations deployed by the UN, EU, OSCE, and other organizations, as well as the respective German participation of the armed forces, police, and civilian experts.

New technologies and a growing number of actors are driving the dynamic evolution of hybrid threats. This has direct implications for international peace operations. On the one hand, they are increasingly targeted—particularly in cyberspace and in the information domain. On the other hand, given the global rise in hybrid conflict activities, peace operations must continue to develop and adapt their approaches to effectively take action and respond in this evolving environment. This study analyses the current challenges that hybrid threats pose to peace operations.

As part of the Global Alliance for Peace Operations, ZIF has published a compendium with eight detailed policy papers and concrete policy recommendations on future operation-related topics such as the impact of peace operations, protection of civilians, peacebuilding, local perspectives, partnerships and women's participation.