Several German peace and conflict research institutes have issued warnings regarding the imminent collapse of the international order. According to the “Peace Assessment 2026,” presented in Berlin on Monday, states are increasingly disregarding international law and resorting to violence to enforce their interests.
The researchers noted that military force has established itself as a routine tool of international politics, leading to governments acting like state “warlords.” Particular emphasis was placed on the interventions by the United States, Russia, and Israel, alongside the regional power projections emanating from Pakistan, Turkey, Ethiopia, and the Gulf monarchies.
To curb the current dynamics of violence, the report advises Germany to “consistently adhere to international law” and utilize its position in Europe to strengthen multilateral institutions. Furthermore, the Peace Assessment recommends building “resilient value chains” and pursuing digital sovereignty.
The report continues by stating that the United Nations is experiencing a profound structural crisis, as great power rivalries are blocking central decision-making processes. Despite this, the document suggests there is no viable alternative to the organization itself. The federal government is urged to advocate for stable funding and necessary reforms. Developmental cooperation is also under strain, as budget cuts have only exacerbated instability in fragile states. The researchers recommend leveraging European and international platforms to improve the coordination and effectiveness of development programs.
Regarding solutions to counter the decline of the international order, Conrad Schetter of the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) stated that “clear, unified rules for sanctions” are essential. He explained to the dts news agency that the assessment addresses a period where international law is becoming a mere aside, losing relevance, and where sanction regimes themselves are diminishing in importance.
Tobias Debiel from the Institute for Development and Peace (INEF) at the University of Duisburg-Essen added that support should remain for sanctions, such as those imposed on Russia. However, he cautioned that “it must be clear under what conditions sanctions are lifted.” Debiel noted that this point of conditions has historically been the central sticking point regarding punitive measures. He explained to the dts news agency, “The purpose of sanctions is to exert pressure. They carry a symbolic meaning by demonstrating unity against violations of international law and human rights. But an effect can only be achieved if we also clearly define the conditions under which they will be withdrawn.”
The Peace Assessment is a joint report compiled by the German peace research institutes BICC, IFSH, INEF, and PRIF. Scholars from various fields examined international conflicts through a peace-strategic lens and provided policy recommendations.
