Can the G7 Summit Avoid Another Trump Meltdown? High Stakes Loom in the Canadian Rockies
Can the G7 Summit Avoid Another Trump Meltdown? High Stakes Loom in the Canadian Rockies
The Group of Seven summit kicks off in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, carrying the weight of a world teetering on the brink. Recall the infamous 2018 summit? The image of a defiant President Trump, arms folded, met with icy stares from then-Chancellor Merkel perfectly captured the tension. This year, the shared goal is simple: avoid another international incident.
The backdrop is far from peaceful. Dozens of nations face crippling tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, threatening a global economic slowdown. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran add to the already volatile mix. Climate change, immigration, drug trafficking, the rise of AI, and China’s economic dominance further complicate the agenda.
President Trump, departing the White House, hinted at new trade deals, suggesting a unilateral approach: “All we have to do is send a letter, ‘This is what you’re going to have to pay.’” This approach contrasts sharply with the multilateralism the G7 traditionally represents.
The 2018 summit’s breakdown stemmed from disagreements over a “rules-based international order,” a key tenet of the G7’s mission. Peter Boehm, a veteran of six G7 summits, notes this clash led to the now-iconic photo and raised questions about the G7’s future.
This year, Germany, the UK, Japan, and Italy are betting on a more conciliatory approach to Trump, hoping to minimize potential outbursts. However, the very survival of the G7 hangs in the balance, with the Trump administration’s attendance at the upcoming G20 summit in South Africa still uncertain. The Canadian Rockies will be the stage for a high-stakes diplomatic drama.
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