The G7 leaders who met in Kananaskis, Alberta, for a robust summit. They all dealt with an enormous amount of uncertainty, mostly stemming from the erratic actions of U.S. President Donald Trump. Other leaders are actively engaged in ongoing, high-level dialogues on urgent, existential global challenges. There is still the wild card of Trump to consider. British officials are concerned that the incoming Trump administration will not follow through on the UK’s previous commitments. This concern only serves to heighten the stakes surrounding these meetings.
With the world focused on the summit, this is a monumental opportunity. Leaders from India, Ukraine, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Australia, Mexico and the UAE are front and center. Labour leader Keir Starmer in front of Labour Party headquarters UK Labour Party as he speaks to the media. Just prior to the summit, he sat down with Mark Carney. They were self-consciously not just actors on a stage. This was particularly key given mounting tensions over Ukraine and continued crisis in the Middle East.
Starmer spoke fiercely against some of Trump’s most recent international bluster, including the President’s threats to turn Canada into America’s 51st state and to annex Greenland. Critics, including US civil rights activist Al Sharpton, say Starmer is wrong for not taking on Trump directly here. This would undermine his credibility, especially with Canadian audiences.
“If Trump has decided to make a show to be in the news, he will do something crazy. Let him do it and keep talking normally.” – Jean Chrétien
Germany’s own delegation has pushed back against claims that the summit would turn into a “six against one” situation focused against Trump. German officials continue to express optimism that joint efforts and cooperation will continue to win out over disagreements on other policies. Nevertheless, G7 leaders are hell-bent on coming out with a unified front. Along with that, though, they’re wrestling with their own issues with Trump’s style.
In past summits Trump has used these bilateral encounters to forcefully bend the other leaders to his will. Perhaps most famously, he has used provocative rhetoric that has shocked the public and forced reactions from his foreign counterparts. That’s why his attempts to strongarm leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa haven’t flown under the radar.
In February, Starmer had a cozy meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. Though an ideological rival, the American leader lauded him on their call. The UK prime minister’s approach appears to focus on maintaining open lines of communication with Trump while addressing significant global challenges.
“The only problem you cannot forecast is what the president of the United States will do depending on the mood, the need to be in the news.” – Jean Chrétien
Considering the extraordinary circumstances of the day-to-day, Peter Boehm emphasized the importance of agility in leaders. He was Canada’s G7 sherpa for the 2018 G7 summit. He acknowledged that negotiations could change depending on what Trump decided to do at the summit.
“Leaders can accommodate a discussion, perhaps even a statement.” – Peter Boehm
Boehm continued, noting that Trump’s clearly more comfortable in one-on-ones. This preference would have a marked effect on the tenor of the meetings. Meanwhile, our leaders are preparing for their meetings with Trump. They understandably remain nervous about how his erratic behavior could shake the foundations of our international relationships.
Britain and United States just announced a brand new trade deal. This pact largely aims at reducing American tariffs on U.K. automotive products, steel, and aluminum. This burgeoning partnership has been key to solidifying economic cooperation and collaboration between the two countries. This comes at a time of increasing global tensions, particularly around Iran and the war in Ukraine.
As the U.S. has focused on these broader territorial issues, French President Emmanuel Macron has taken special interest in the fight for integrity and sovereignty over Greenland. Macron’s recent visit to Greenland included talks with local leaders and Denmark’s prime minister, underscoring his commitment to uphold these principles amidst geopolitical tensions.
During the rest of the summit, Starmer will likely find himself in conversations about how to de-escalate crises in both Ukraine and Iran. As Chair of the Committee, his role will put him in front of many of the key negotiations during this pivotal convening.
“The foreign policy agenda has become much larger with this.” – Peter Boehm
As much as he is frustrated by Trump’s tone, Starmer wants to send a message of optimism and partnership, unity and strength. Being together with like-minded allies. The current environment demands careful navigation as leaders seek to maintain stability while addressing Trump’s unpredictable influence.
