Japans Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, has extended invitations to eight additional nations for this years G7 conference in Hiroshima. This reflects the complex and challenging topics on the agenda, ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to global food security. It also highlights the shifting dynamics of the international order, with Russia and China being major focal points of discussion despite not being part of the guest list.The G7 traditionally includes the worlds seven wealthiest democracies: Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Italy. While not an official member of the G7, the European Union sends representatives. However, as the G7s economic dominance declines (from more than 50% of global GDP in 1990 to slightly under 30% presently), there is a demand for powerful new partners.A political response to growing fears about Chinese and Russian powerPrime Minister Kishidas goal is to form a worldwide coalition rather than a predominantly Western one, which is why Australia, India, Brazil, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Comoros (representing the African Union), and the Cook Islands (representing the Pacific Islands Forum) have joined the summit this year. Kishida has travelled to countries such as India, Africa, and Southeast Asia to demonstrate alternative options to the economic influence of China and Russia.Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida (Image: Twitter)The years summits guest list reflects initiatives to attract nations from the “Global South,” which includes developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These nations have complex political and economic links with both Russia and China. One of Kishidas primary problems will be to portray a united front in the face of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The G7 wants to slap harsher restrictions on Russias energy and exports that fund its military operations in Ukraine. However, many of the additional guests may not agree with this strategy. For instance, India has declined to cooperate with Western sanctions on Russian imports, noting its strong relationship with Russia, reliance on Russian energy, and concerns about rising prices.Emerging economies, particularly those affected by the mounting expenses of the Ukrainian conflict, are concerned that additional sanctions may result in the cancellation of the Black Sea grain trade, worsening food shortages and price hikes. In addition, nations with substantial ties to Russia through armaments and weapons imports, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, are reluctant to explicitly promote or oppose additional sanctions. Prime Minister Kishida believes that the symbolic value of Hiroshima, a city destroyed by nuclear weapons, will highlight Russias nuclear threat. Visits to historical places in the city will serve as a reminder of the deadly consequences of nuclear weapons and will underscore summit delegates obligation to prevent their use. Shifting global dynamics: Moving beyond the Wests dominanceUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will be present virtually at the summit, will speak out strongly for his country, which has already suffered immensely. However, settling disagreements on the scope of sanctions may prove difficult. Countries outside the G7 are growing frustrated with being overlooked by the West, emphasising the necessity for the G7 to listen to them and treat them as equal allies.The summit also gives an opportunity for discussions on a variety of problems, including the Ukrainian conflict, the global economic slowdown, and East Asian security challenges, particularly the South China Sea dispute and Taiwan. Japan aims to counter Chinas growing military aggression in the region as the only Asian G7 member.
