meridian

Research

MER/26/B01 · Brief · 27 October 2026

Fewer Peacekeepers, More Wars Between States

In 2025 conflicts between states reached their highest level since 1946, while peace-operation personnel fell to their lowest December level since at least 2000.

MER/26/N01 · Note · 27 October 2026

Trade Under Strain: What the WTO's October 2026 Outlook Reveals

The WTO has roughly doubled its 2026 goods-trade forecast, but the upgrade rests heavily on AI investment while services and conflict-exposed regions weaken.