"Leaving on a High Note?” – The Impact of Exits of International Peacekeeping Missions

25 February 2026

The new Working Paper of the CISS Munich Series written by Lena Runge provides an introduction to the issue of international peacekeeping mission exits and illustrates anecdotal insights into the effects of exit through the case of the United Nations Mission in Angola (MONUA, 1997–1999).

While the long-term effects of international peacekeeping missions have been studied extensively, research on their withdrawal, the so-called exit, and short-term consequences remains at an early stage. The exit of such missions is widely regarded as a critical phase in the transition toward the restoration of peace and security and typically unfolds as a non-linear and complex process. Moreover, the strategic relevance of mission exit is reflected in its distinct dynamics and in the logistical, political, legal, economic, and security-related consequences it entails. With regard to patterns of direct violence, various interdependencies between exit and violence can be observed: violence in the host country may influence the exit decision and process, while the exit itself may, in turn, shape violence dynamics on the ground.

The article can be downloaded here.

More information on the Working Paper Series of CISS Munich can be found here.

Picture: CISS