Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to host the leaders of the Group of 7 countries at a luxury resort hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The gathering comes at a time when most of the attendees are facing political challenges in their respective countries, reflecting the turbulent times in the West. The meeting is already fraught with difficulties, from Russia’s actions in Ukraine to China’s economic competition.
Leaders like Britain’s Rishi Sunak, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Olaf Scholz, and Japan’s Fumio Kishida are all dealing with various issues back home. Even President Biden is facing challenges, including a tough re-election battle against former President Trump. The political landscape in these countries is shifting, and the leaders are under pressure.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern over the rise of populist right-wing movements globally, noting the use of anger and division by political parties. The G7 summit comes at a time when populism is on the rise in many democracies.
The G7 countries, despite accounting for a decreasing share of global GDP, are still influential. However, the absence of China and Russia from the group is notable. In a nod to a changing world, Prime Minister Meloni has invited leaders from non-Western countries like India, Brazil, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Domestic politics are likely to impact the discussions at the G7 summit, with leaders facing challenges in their own countries. The shifting power dynamics globally will also play a role in shaping the outcomes of the meeting.
The leaders at the summit will have to navigate issues such as trade with China, sanctions against Russia, and support for Ukraine. These topics are crucial and will require careful consideration and collaboration among the G7 nations.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the G7 leaders are unified in their support for Ukraine and President Biden’s efforts to broker peace in the Israel-Gaza conflict. The summit provides a platform for these leaders to address pressing global issues amidst their own domestic struggles.
