In an interview with Bruckstücke, Andreas Wittkowsky explains, among other things, that Russia is focusing - in particular in Germany- on escalating the fears that exist because of the aid for Ukraine. There is a considerable number of agents of influence who regularly reinforce these messages and fears on behalf of Putin's Russia.

In November 2023, ZIF, the CCCPA and other partners, were taking part in the workshop “Multilateral Partnerships on Climate, Peace and Security” in Cairo, to foster exchange between CPS advisors, representatives of international and regional organizations and thematic experts. The report summarizes discussions, outcomes, and recommendations for improving and mainstreaming CPS efforts.

International peacekeeping missions are under immense pressure. The end of the NATO mission in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of the UN mission from Mali have fuelled doubts about their purpose. High expectations were therefore placed on the UN's "New Agenda for Peace" published in July 2023. One of its recommendations concerns peace enforcement operations deployed not by the UN but by regional organisations, in particular the AU. The new ZIF briefing by Tobias von Gienanth describes historical precedents and assesses the prospects of success of this proposal. 

With short texts and infographics, the new ZIF dashboard provides information on current trends in the personnel numbers of peace operations. This year, the “Spotlight” is on mis- and disinformation in the context of peace operations.

The new edition of our world map of peace operations offers up-to-date information and figures on missions by the UN, EU, OSCE and other organizations as well as the respective German participation of the Bundeswehr, police and civilian experts. In addition, the world map is being published in a new design this year.

International conflict management in the Western Balkans will continue to face major challenges in 2024. The achievements of recent years are under threat. This raises the question of a political reorientation - above all towards more robust prevention. This would require international diplomacy to be supplemented by more conditional incentives and sanctions.