Leading up to the Group of Seven summit in Canada, the annual meeting was informally dubbed the “G6 plus one.” This moniker reflected the growing divide between the United States and its traditional allies, as the U.S. imposed tariffs and took positions contrary to the postwar order. The summit, held in the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, concluded with President Donald Trump leaving early to address the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Despite these challenges, the summit, hosted by Canada, managed to make progress on several fronts. President Trump, before his departure, signed a joint statement urging de-escalation in the Middle East, marking a rare moment of unity. However, a statement on the Ukraine war was abandoned due to U.S. resistance, prompting other leaders to focus on issues like migrant smuggling, energy security, and artificial intelligence.
Expanding the Circle of Influence
This year’s summit was notable for its inclusion of non-G7 democracies. Leaders from countries such as Ukraine, India, and Mexico were invited, reflecting a shift in global alliances and the dynamics of international governance. A photograph from the final day, featuring 18 leaders, symbolized this broader coalition.
Philip Luck, a former deputy chief economist at the U.S. Department of State, commented on this development, saying,
“Our partners are going to have to get used to moving ahead without us. This isn’t an either-or situation. They’re just pushing ahead when the U.S. sits on its hands for a while.”
G7 or G17?
The summit concluded with seven narrow statements rather than a joint communique, a rare but not unprecedented outcome. John Kirton, founder of the G7 Research Group, noted that this reflects a pragmatic approach to getting work done. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as host, emphasized the importance of including rising middle powers in discussions, effectively transforming the G7 into a “G17” with the participation of key democracies and officials from the European Union and NATO.
Dr. Kirton explained,
“These are rising middle powers whose influence is key to this group. This G7 was intended to magnify the power and shared purpose of the G7 on a much greater global scale with the democracies of the G17.”
Challenges and Achievements
As the G7 marked its 50th anniversary, Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the historical influence of the U.S. over the group, stating,
“The G7 is nothing without U.S. leadership.”
However, President Trump’s controversial remarks, including his openness to China joining the table, led to a brief press conference shutdown.
Despite these tensions, the summit saw significant achievements. Canada and the U.S. agreed to finalize a trade deal within 30 days, and the U.S. and the United Kingdom completed their trade agreement. Meanwhile, Canada’s condemnation of Russian actions in Ukraine and its announcement of new military support underscored its leadership role.
Looking Forward
Lori Turnbull, a political science professor at Dalhousie University, remarked on the evolving nature of the summit, stating,
“This year’s summit is not about the show that everybody is united. It’s not a love-in. It’s a ‘we have agreed on a set of action items.’”
She emphasized the importance of adapting to a changing global landscape where consensus cannot be taken for granted.
The summit’s outcome highlights a pivotal moment for the G7, as it navigates internal divisions and seeks to expand its influence through broader international cooperation. As global challenges continue to evolve, the group’s ability to adapt and include diverse voices will be crucial in shaping future policies and partnerships.
