The United Nations has announced a dramatic 25 % reduction in its global peacekeeping presence, which will see 13,000–14,000 troops pulled from missions across more than 50 countries.
This decision follows sharp cuts in U.S. funding—from $1 billion down to $680 million—as part of the Trump administration’s broader “America First” budget retrenchment.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres defended the move, noting that peacekeeping has historically been one of the most cost-effective mechanisms for conflict prevention. However, several missions in Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, and Somalia will be impacted, and over 60 UN offices are slated for staffing cuts up to 20 %.
China, in contrast, has pledged to maintain or even increase its contributions, underscoring shifting geopolitical support in multilateral institutions. The cuts raise concerns over whether vulnerable regions will lose protective oversight just when global conflict dynamics are intensifying.