When Joe Biden first attended the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, he was met with enthusiasm and relief from his fellow world leaders. The chaotic four years of Donald Trump were over, and Biden, a familiar American statesman, pledged to restore and strengthen American alliances and leadership on the world stage. However, as Biden attends his final G7 meeting of his first term in Italy, the shadow of his predecessor looms large.
Anxiety has set in among world capitals as some governments work to curry favor with the presumptive Republican nominee, leading to questions about the success of Biden’s efforts to repair America’s alliances abroad. While Trump’s potential return to the White House adds weight to this question, there is still a sense of relief that America is back and leading at the table under Biden’s leadership.
During the G7 meeting in Italy, Biden and his fellow world leaders will address questions of war and peace, economic recovery, and competing against China. The conflict in Ukraine, with Russia’s ongoing assault, has created challenges for Biden as he champions Ukraine’s fight for survival, particularly as some Republican lawmakers have delayed approval of US security assistance to the country.
Despite facing challenges at home, the leaders of the G7 nations are working to approve a $50 billion loan for Ukraine, with the goal of giving the country a chance to turn around its prospects on the battlefield. The leaders plan to speak in unison about their concerns regarding the resurgence of the Russian military and the broader implications for European, NATO, and transatlantic security.
The G7 leaders will also discuss Chinese manufacturing overcapacity and concerns about Beijing flooding the global market, echoing topics from previous summits. The participation of leaders such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pope Francis, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscores the urgency and stakes of the current moment as they work towards agreements on key issues.
Overall, the G7 summit in Italy serves as a pivotal moment for the world leaders to address pressing global challenges, from the conflict in Ukraine to economic issues related to China. Despite facing internal and external challenges, Biden and his counterparts are working towards collaborative solutions that will shape the future of international relations and security.
