This year’s Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Apulia, Italy, is being dubbed a “lame duck” gathering amidst significant global and internal challenges. Historically a powerhouse since the 1970s, the G7’s influence has waned with the rise of major economies like China and Russia, who remain outside the group. Additionally, the increasing political clout of the Global South has led to the formation of influential alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, further diminishing the G7’s dominance.
Internal turmoil among G7 members has also cast a shadow over the summit. Leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and U.S. President Joe Biden are facing political difficulties at home. Macron and Scholz recently suffered significant losses in the European Parliament elections, while Sunak and Biden are navigating contentious elections fueled by declining public confidence in their administrations.
At the heart of the Apulia summit is the ongoing war in Ukraine. The G7, led by the U.S. and the UK, is pushing for Ukraine to reclaim all its territory from Russian control. However, this stance has faced opposition from members like Germany, whose industries benefit from engaging with the Chinese market.
In a clear sign of shifting global dynamics, Italy has invited twelve non-G7 world leaders to attend the meeting. This inclusion of leaders from the Global South signals the G7’s recognition of their growing importance and a move towards a more inclusive international dialogue. As the G7 grapples with its relevance in a multipolar world, the Apulia summit highlights both the group's enduring challenges and the evolving landscape of global power.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
