The G7 Summit, scheduled for June, has been delayed until September. So wants Donald Trump - the obvious king of this club of Western democracies. And not only because America this time is the host, but also politically. Recall the famous photo from a similar meeting in Canada two years ago. The US president sits with his arms crossed in a businesslike manner, the rest crowded around and obediently listening. Teacher and students. Only Merkel then tried to behave on an equal footing. However, unsuccessfully.
The red-headed joker Trump is so self-confident that he does not hesitate to surprise the world with revolutionary innovations. At the upcoming summit, he wished to invite Russia (we hear the teeth grinding of his opponents from the Democratic Party), as well as Australia, India and South Korea. Exotic set. “I don’t think that the G7 is sufficiently representative of what is happening in the world. This is a very outdated group of countries, ”the American truth-seeker clarified the bewilderment of the public.
So Trump tried to refresh, and in fact - save the G7 format for his temporary goals. Which ones? First of all, domestic political ones. In September, his election campaign will be in full swing. The triumphant results of his economic policy (the transfer of production home, to the United States and, as a consequence, a sharp drop in unemployment), guaranteeing him the votes of not only a conservative voter, were mercilessly eaten by the coronavirus. An international party on American soil would come in handy for him.
But why does Russia need this? Thanks to God, the piety towards G7 has long been overcome. The times when Boris Yeltsin considered it an honor to be in the company of brilliant gentlemen - leaders of the countries of the first world, are long gone. The West did not appreciate Russia's honest attempt to participate in world affairs in the G8 format. Moscow has unambiguously made it clear that it places its national interests - in the Crimea and everywhere - far above the dubious pleasure of sitting on the side chair of the G7. And if so, then come on, G7, bye.
Another thing is the world periphery, which suddenly got the opportunity to be in the forefront of the world. God-forgotten Australia hurried to welcome Trump's offer, not averse to being near the world hegemon. South Korea especially has nowhere to go. Pushed down by an American boot, dependent and firmly frightened by Pyongyang, she will support any undertakings of her patron. Another thing is India, they know their worth there and take their time to speak out.
There are no doubts in the foreign policy reasons for Trump's proposal. We are witnessing a new attempt to put together a coalition against China, which Washington sees as its main adversary and does not hide it. In connection with the summit, the White House confirmed this again. Therefore, both Korea, which has a common border with China, and Australia, which, in contrast to Europe, has taken a clearly anti-Chinese position (they are afraid of Beijing’s activity in the Pacific region), and Russia are China’s power "roof", as some observers claim, are invited.
The latter, of course, is not true. Beijing itself is strong enough militarily. But the fact that Washington’s developing strategic alliance creates problems for Washington is a fact.
To tear Russia away from China is the dream of neocon hawks, arsonists of war, so Trump is trying. However, such clumsy work is obviously doomed to failure. Russia China will not surrender. When seeding, Trump only shows zeal to those with whom he is connected, on whom he depends. Like, I do what I can. It is unlikely that he himself believes in success.
All these throwings only emphasize the falling value of G7. Yes, and the West as a whole. Strength inexorably leaves from there to the East. Economic, technological, military, political, humanitarian. That is why the “twenty” has long become the more promising format - the G20, which includes the same China. This is true. Moscow's explicit preference for this expanded club as opposed to the outdated “seven” only reflects objective global trends. There is no reception against the scrap of history.
The G7 format is not only exhausted, but may even cease to exist. The recent fierce debate between Trump and Merkel over Nord Stream 2 is just the tip of the iceberg of controversy between the New and Old Worlds, where Germany is playing an increasing role. The desire of Europe’s most powerful country to dominate the continent seems implacable. The transatlantic ties are still intact, only irritation breaks out, but one day Berlin will take its toll. The Seven is at risk of becoming the Six. Some misunderstanding.
Another thing is the “five”. “Give me five,” they often say in Russia, shaking hands. A symbol of honest agreement, vigor and strength. Most likely, the future of world politics belongs to the “five”. Who, if not the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the nuclear powers, should resolve issues relevant to the world? No wonder it was this format that Vladimir Putin suggested quite unexpectedly. And our potential partners, even the British, did not fidget and shy away and agreed. They understand everything.
An in-person summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council will be held, Sergey Lavrov recently promised. So it will be. And let the G7 not be offended. Everything has its time. Their time is running out.
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.