Leading German peace and conflict researchers have issued a stark warning regarding the future of NATO and global peace in their 2025 Peace Report, released in Berlin.

This year’s report reflects a particularly bleak outlook, noting the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, which have resulted in over 122 million displaced individuals worldwide.

The analysis represents a culmination of annual assessments by experts from four key research institutes since 1987, aiming to inform policymakers about international conflict and security affairs.

Christopher Daase, from the Leibniz Institute for Peace and Conflict Research, highlighted a concerning deterioration of the security environment, particularly in light of Russia's military actions in Ukraine and a perceived decline in the reliability of the United States as an ally.

The report asserts that the transatlantic partnership is irreversibly altered, emphasizing that NATO's mutual defense commitments have lost credibility, further undermining European security interests.

The researchers pointedly criticize Donald Trump and his political movement, suggesting they have accelerated the transformation of the US into a more authoritarian regime characterized by a disregard for liberal democratic institutions.

They argue that authoritarianism could spread across Europe, referring to worrying trends, such as attacks on academic freedoms and the independence of various civil society organizations.

Amidst these geopolitical shifts, the report expresses skepticism regarding NATO’s ongoing relevance, proposing that discussions about its future must be initiated, despite reluctance from member states to confront the issue.

Daase articulated a need for NATO’s members to sustain collaboration as they enhance European defense capabilities.

The report recommends a deliberate and transparent approach for the expansion of European defense structures.

At present, the study indicates that European Union member states are strengthening national defense capabilities but are still far from achieving a cohesive European defense policy.

In his remarks, Conrad Schetter from the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies emphasized that security needs to extend beyond military considerations, encompassing arms control, confidence-building measures, and diplomatic efforts.

The report also critiques the pervasive erosion of international law, highlighting incidents where humanitarian protections are neglected in current conflicts.

Particular attention has been given to the situation in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction.

The researchers call for an immediate cessation of all arms supplies to both Gaza and the West Bank, citing violations of international humanitarian law by Israel.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding a potential state visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany, especially in light of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

The report calls upon the German government to uphold international law and suggests that any state visit by Netanyahu should be postponed until further notice.

Furthermore, it advocates for the eventual recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a comprehensive resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the researchers believe would not infringe upon Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.

This year's Peace Report represents one of the more pessimistic evaluations produced to date, underscoring the need for urgent international attention and cooperation in addressing the myriad crises affecting global peace.