International Organisations

Misc points-

In the wake of COVID19, regional initiatives will become the “Goldilocks option” - the happy medium between globalization and hyper nationalism
emergence of plurilaterals and mini-laterals by middle powers in the wake of US reluctant to provide leadership and china revising the rules of multilateral engagement
Use liberal institutionalism, complex interdependence ,functionalism in ques of regional org.

BRICS (15 years in 2021, expect a ques)

Jim o Neil , chief economist of Goldman Sachs coined bric in 2001 in a paper “The world needs better economic BRICs.” said these would surpass GDP of G6 by 2040.
Fareed zakaria calls it post american world order. Describes BRICS as fall of west and rise of rest.
43% of world population, 37% of world GDP, 17% share in world trade
Important platform for south south coop
cooperation:

International terrorism
climate change
food and energy security
Reform of Bretton woods
WTO doha development agenda
At BRICS summit in 2016, india gave I4C approach:

Institution building to deepen cooperation
implementation of decisions from summits
Integrating existing cooperating mechanisms
Innovation via G2G,P2P,Track two diplomacy
Continuity of cooperation

12th BRICS summit, 2020

BRICS counter terrorism strategy adopted
Strategy for BRICS economic partnership 2020-25 was signed with 3 pillars

Trade and investment
Digital economy
Sustainable development

PM Modi pushed for increasing intra BRICS trade to $500 B.

BRICS payment system as an alternative to west dominated SWIFT Banking system is mooted upon. Also the transactions would be in member nation’s currency as opposed to USD
Contingent reserve agreement with an initial size of $100 B to tackle short-term liquidity demands
NDB, Partnership for New Industrial revolution (Part NIR)

issues:

Though there is convergence on reform of WB,WTO,IMF,etc there is divergence on issue like UNSC, NSG and counter terrorism.
The fundamental difference in the geopolitical vision of the BRICS countries, the dominance of China in the grouping, growing Sino Russian alliance that makes India apprehensive are losing to be biggest obstacles in realising the vision of BRICS of a shared multilateralism.
It is also said that India is finding more comfort in the Quad vis a vis BRICS,as the members have a more definitive and convergent views on international politics
BRICS is as strong and weak as India China ties.
xi- for the bloc to gain enough strength, like five fingers of a hand , it should work together to form a fist .

Future of BRICS

Use natural resources, military and manpower
Two of its members are permanent members and others are aspiring members . Hence BRICS will play a key role in the evolving world order
BRICS is collaborating with Africa and Latin America and funding developmental projects
They have more economic interdependence with USA and Europe than among themselves

Conclusion-The forum is less about ideological posturing and more about repositioning India in changing great power equations.

No other body evokes as many dreams yet as many failures as UN- garethevans former foreign min of Australia
Formed after second world war . the UN charter is based on Atlantic charter that viewed a new world order based on liberal institutional-ism.
1945- 51 members, p5+6
Now 193 members, p5+10
Article 1 of UN charter talks of UN functions-

Maintaining international peace and security
Developing friendly relations among nations
Achieving international cooperation in solving international problems
Harmonising the actions of Nations in attainment of the common end.

Africa, latin america has no representation, Europe is over represented
UN has not been effective during the covid pandemic
Couldn’t play an effective role due to East-West conflict
Collective security has remained paralyzed
UN reforms

UN charter- still mentions Axis powers as enemy states
UNGA- Better coordination needed with UNSC
UN secretariat

Address redtapism
Increase representation from developing countries
Right sizing bureaucracy
Training and capacity building

success of UN-

Since 1945 Over 60 peacekeeping missions have been deployed with UN forces operating in 20 hotbeds around the globe
80 nations in Africa and Asia have come out of colonisation
UN specialised agencies-

UNWFP - 2020 nobel price for peace
UNESCO
UNEP
WHO in eradicating small pox, polio

cooperation on MDG and SDGs
UNHCR - helped millions of displaced refugees after WW2

failures-

Covid
Myanmar coup
Afghan crisis
Failed to prevent Cuban crisis and Vietnam crisis
Rwandan genocide
Iraq invasion
Syrian crisis

Role of UN in countering terrorism

CCIT under negotiation
UN sanctions under resolution 1267
Its agencies like world customs org helps countries check items that are transported
Its decisions carry authority and legitimacy
Security council resolution 1373 to ask countries to make the domestic laws most stringent with respect to terrorism
UN office on drugs and crime
Counter terrorism implementation task force

Relevance of UN

Transnational challenges- terrorism,climate change,refugee problem
World suffers from lack of food,education,health
Peacekeeping missions
Multi polar world may lead to anarchy—> hence universal actor needed

Conclusion: If we do not fulfill the objectives of UN, we will betraying such men and women who sacrificed their lives in hope of peace and justice- Dag Hammerskjold (former UN Secy Gen)

WTO-

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
Succeeds GATT.
Set up under Marrakesh Treaty after Uruguay round of talks in 1995.
Based on liberal institutionalism and interdependence -liberal ideology of promoting peace through enhancing trade relations between countries thus creating complex interdependence.
Based on Ricardo’s model of comparative advantage in which the countries which enjoy an advantage over a certain product would get huge market for exports leading to job creation and economic development.
It is based on the premise that problem of global south can be solved by trade and not aid
Principles of WTO

Non discrimination - Countries will not discriminate one from another
Reciprocity - The concessions conferred by countries have to be mutual

3 pillars of WTO (make triangle)

Dispute resolution mechanism. This gives confidence to small countries. WTO unlike Breton woods institutions gives equal powers to all countries.
Ensuring free trade and open further markets
Monitoring mechanism to see if countries are abiding by their commitments.

Issues:

USA-China trade war through imposition of tariffs.
Consensus based decision making has stalled key negotiations
Costly and lengthy dispute resolution mechanism
Issues regarding WTO principles of granting of MFN, self declaration of “developing country status” by countries
Allegations of developed countries against developing countries for flouting TRIPS. They oppose generic medicines, compulsory licensing and import substitution.
76 countries finalizing ecomm rules outside the realm of WTO.
USA did not appoint judge and hence appellate body of WTO dispute settlement (the crown jewel)has stopped functioning due to lack of judges.
white house had categorically said US would not accept WTO's orders if they went against american interest.
The Doha development agenda,2001 still remains inconclusive on the issue of agriculture subsidies

Why WTO still relevant-

Regulates 98% of global trade flows
The average value of tariffs has reduced by 85% since 1942. this tariff reduction along with technological advances has driven extraordinary expansion of global trade
Trade as share of world GDP has grown from 24% in 1960 to 60% currently. This expansion has fueled economic growth, created jobs and increased household incomes around the world
As nations economies have become more and more interdependent breakdown of trade organisation will be major blow to international trade order

importance for India-

India is not a member of many major regional trade agreements like RCEP, CPTPP,etc
A platform for developing countries to emerge as pressure groups against developed countries policies
A democratic institution where each country has one vote unlike quota system of Breton woods or permanent membership of UNSC
A platform to enhance India's vision of a multi-polar world based on multilateral-ism

issues with India-

Recently the WTO report asked for reducing India's subsidy to sugearcane farmers.

way ahead-

Cooperation between developing and developed countries.
Services form 2/3rd of global GDP, hence GATS need to be more open and transparent
It must ensure all countries follow rules based trading order and none imposes unilateral sanctions or restricts domestic markets for foreign players.

Conclusion-India advocates for: rules based , transparent, non discriminatory, equitable , open and inclusive multilateral trading
Add points from-https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/indian-perspective-reviving-world-trade-organization/

SAARC

Formed in 1985 by Dhaka declaration to build a connected and integrated South Asia with the larger aim of promoting the development and progress of all countries in the region.
Issues:

PM Modi- the full potential of SAARC can only be realised in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.
SAARC is considered to be one of the weakest examples of regional cooperation.
Geo-strategic divergence, political nationalism , economic protectionism and mutual distrust are key reasons for the sorry state of affairs.
World Bank’s 2018 report - A glass half full : points towards infra SAARC trade to be 5% amounting to $23 B as compared to Intra-ASEAN trade as a share of the bloc’s overall trade is 25% amounting to $67 and infra EU trade is 40%
lack of logistical connectivity that hinders movement of goods,as well as people.
Initiatives like BBIN, SAFTA haven’t been materialized.
The SAARC on its part hasn’t been able to do much to help Afghanistan
As former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said “We have created institutions for regional cooperation, but we have not yet empowered them adequately to enable them to be more pro-active.”

India's efforts:

SA food bank, liberalizing visa norms in SA university, satellite : hence building soft power in the region, India has extended its National Knowledge Network NKN to South Asia.

COVID:

India created a COVID19 Emergency Fund with an initial contribution of $10 M
supply of essential drugs,PPE kits,etc
India has developed COINEX, a platform for exchange of specialized info on COVID

India should be the tide that lifts all boats
India following policy of SAARC minus Pak
Shifting focus towards BIMSTEC
India’s engagement with SAARC must be based on its Neighbourhood first policy.
Conclusion- SAARC is not a choice but a necessity for meaningful regional cooperation in South Asia

BIMSTEC-Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
https://www.orfonline.org/research/reimagining-bimstec-strengthening-regional-solidarity-across-the-bay-of-bengal/
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/connect-east-explaining-indias-bimstec-focus/

Intro:

Formed in 1997 through Bangkok Declaration.
1.6B people
$2.8Trillion GDP

BIMSTEC enjoys the unique strength of connecting South and South-East Asia.
initiatives:

BIMSTEC Military exercise (MILEX)
disaster mgmt
combating drug and human trafficking
counter terrorism
tourism , especially India's Buddhist tourist circuit
cultural coop
agriculture
poverty alleviation
Blue economy

Bay of Bengal is the route for 25% of world trade
Huge untapped natural resources in BOB
Huge significance for development of NE region.
Rohingya issue is a big spoiler
Kaladan multi modal project
BIMSTEC motor vehicle agreement when signed would ensure a seamless connectivity of south and south east Asian regions.
Trilateral highway with Myanmar and Thailand
BIMSTEC FTA and BIMSTEC coastal shipping agreement under negotiation
India’s former Foreign Secretary, Vijay Gokhale, referred to the Bay of Bengal as a “subset of the growth region that we call the Indo-Pacific.”
Besides strategic and security imperatives, India’s focus on BIMSTEC is thus primarily to correct the exceptional Geo-economic connectivity gap between the subcontinent and Southeast Asia
Charter signed, an emblem and flag made
Working of the group divided in 7 segments with India heading the security aspect
Concerns-

One of the world’s least integrated region
Lack of identity and purpose: Some nations identify themselves as south Asian while some as south east Asian. Also what is the purpose? Is it maritime c
Lack of Intra regional trade,investment and connectivity
BIMSTEC secretariat requires funding
BIMSTEC adopted framework on an FTA in 2004. However little progress has happened since.
For critics BIMSTEC is an example of reactive regionalism for India when SAARC doesn’t works out.
Only 4 summits in more than two decades
All BIMSTEC members except India and Bhutan are BRI members
As former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cautioned in 2010, “We have created institutions for regional cooperation, but we have not yet empowered them adequately to enable them to be more pro-active.”

India would set up centre for bay of bengal studies at nalanda university
Decision to establish a BIMSTEC development fund
Strategic importance due to closeness with mallaca strait
BIMSTEC complements Thailand and Myanmar's look west policy
Establish bay of Bengal as blue economic zone
BIMSTEC vs SAARC:

BIMSTEC Connects south Asia and southeast Asia whereas SAARC focussed only on south Asia.
South east Asia strengthens Act east
BIMSTEC members have close economic cooperation with China with Thailand and Myanmar under heavy Chinese debts.
BIMSTEC is more a maritime concept. Also strengthens indo pacific. Increases India's influence from strait of hormuz to beyond the state of Malacca
bypasses the vexed issue of indo-pak rivalry
but cant be a replacement as SAARCinvolves Pak and Afghanistan. Howsoever we try we cant ignore complex issues in south asia

BIMSTEC is India's five in one policy:

SAGAR
Act East
neighborhood first
development of India's north east
indo-pacific focusing on ASEAN centrality

conclusion: As Dr Jaishankar has remarked, India sees a mix of “energy,mindset and possibility” in BIMSTEC

ASEAN

Formed in 1967 through Bangkok declaration,The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its ten members:
ASEAN countries have a total population of 65 Crore people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.8 trillion
Kishore mahbubani in his book ASEAN miracle says ASEAN is an example of pragmatic regionalism.
One of the reasons for ASEAN consolidation in its formative decade was a common threat perception about the spread of communism. In SAARC case such a common perception has been missing.
ASEAN had the backing of the USA, spurring regional integration. SAARC didn’t have any such external backing
It has not just been a trade bloc or an economic community, it has been a stabilizing force in the region. The group has played a key role in the evolution of rules-based international order.
ASEAN has emerged as a security community(sociological liberalism) having high level of trust among its member nations
Intra-ASEAN trade as a share of the bloc’s overall trade is 25% amounting to $67.
India-ASEAN:

Shashi Tharoor in Pax Indica writes - If there is any region where India punches beyond its weight, it’s ASEAN.
ASEAN is the central pillar of India’s Act East and Indo pacific policy and forms part of India's extended neighborhood.
$81 B bilateral trade
India ASEAN - 25% world population
$5 T combined GDP
from a sectoral partners in 1992 to signing of strategic partnership in 2012, India-ASEAN relations have come far extending across 30 dialogue mechanisms today.
India has an FTA with ASEAN. it is 4th largest trading partner of India.
Both sides have set the target of US $200 billion by 2022
20% of India's total diaspora lives in Asian and plays a seminal role in strengthening India Asean ties
3Cs- culture, commerce and connectivity
At recent 18th India-ASEAN summit, both adopted a new ASEAN-India plan of Action for 2021-2025.
India’s contribution of US$ 1million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund.
India part of- ADMM+(Asean Defence Ministers Meet), Post-Ministerial Conference with India (PMC+1), East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
India’s Indo pacific vision has ASEAN centrality as a core component. ASEAN outlook on indo pacific views India as an important regional power to ensure free and open Indo pacific .
extension of India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway to include CLV also under consideration
Development of India’s North east is organically linked to better connectivity with ASEAN.
India has an annual Track 1.5 event Delhi Dialogue, for discussing politico- security and economic issues between ASEAN and India.
The year 2022 has been designated as the ‘ASEAN–India Friendship Year’ to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ASEAN–India relations.
India asean trade 6 times less than china asean and China's investment in asean is 9 times that of India.

issues:

several ASEAN countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam currently locked in territorial dispute and maritime claims with China in the South China Sea. Here ASEAN has presented with a divided stand with countries like Laos and Cambodia explicitly supporting Chinese line (because of huge Chinese debt that they are in) while Philippines and Vietnam that are engaged in a direct confrontation with China through Scarborough shoal and Paracel islands have taken a clear Anti china stand. Vietnam is even contemplating to buy BrahMos missiles from India and has invited ONGC for oil and gas exploration along its territorial waters.
Given such diversity among its members, the bloc remains divided over how to address many issues, including China’s claims in the South China Sea, human rights abuses, including alleged ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, and political repression in member states such as Cambodia.
It appears that ASEAN centrality is under threat due to rise of Quad. While others think ASEAN centrality has already gone due to emergence of China’s centrality.
Competitor in some areas-

India and Philippines in IT sector
India and Vietnam in Cotton and textile

Chinese diaspora > Indian

Important decisions are usually reached through consultation and consensus guided by the principles of noninterference in internal affairs and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Some experts see this approach to decision-making as a chief drawback for the organization.
Conclusion- From being called as “Balkans of the Orient” in 1962 by Charles A Fisher, ASEAN has emerged as an example of cooperative regionalism for the third world.

SCO- 20 years in 2021

Intro: is an 8 member political, economic, and security alliance, formed in 2001 . It is a successor org of the Shanghai five group and based on “shanghai spirit” that talks of mutual trust,benefit,equality and respect for the diversity of culture
Represents 42% of world’s population and 20% GDP
Has 4 nuclear powers and 2 members of P5
India was included as an observer in 2005 and as a full member in 2015.
SCO membership bolsters India’s status as a major pan Asian player, which is boxed in the South Asian paradigm
SCO has potential to achieve access to landlocked Central Asia and helps realise India's connect central Asia policy
Gives a forum for India - china and India Pakistan a forum to meet informally on the sidelines
Since its formation the SCO has focused on regional non-traditional security with counter terrorism as a priority
Has two permanent bodies

SCO secretariat in Beijing
Regional anti-terrorist structure (RATS) in Tashkent

SCO-Afghanistan contact group has been established as a consultative mechanism on situation in Afghanistan. Aim is to establish a peaceful stable and economically prosperous state, free from terrorism and extremism
The SCO is widely regarded as the "alliance of the East" due to its growing centrality in Asia-Pacific, and has been the primary security pillar of the region.
A potential platform to advance India's connect central Asia policy
India only member to not endorse the BRI
SCO has not been successful in countering Pakistan’s use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy

RCEP-

A FTA between 15 countries. It largest regional trading agreement -30% of global GDP and 30% population
India's concerns:

India has deficit with 11 nations out of the other 15 nations.
For supporters of govt’s decision signing RCEP was like signing an FTA with China which would have led Chinese cheap goods dumping Indian markets.
Threat to dairy products from NZ and Australia and Indian steel from Chinese steel, textiles
India has also not received any credible assurances on its demand for more market access, and its concerns over non tariff barriers.
S Jaishankar has said past FTAs have “de-industrialized” certain sectors of the economy. He further said that “no deal is better than a bad deal.”
no assurance to India on implementing rules of origin strictly that would have prevented china from routing its products through other countries.
India wanted a trigger mechanism in case of a sudden import surge
India’s exports to rcep are 20% of total while imports are 35% of the total
It wanted RCEP to exclude MFN obligation from investment.
India wanted Change in base year of tariff from 2014 to 2019.
As part of the RCEP, India wants all countries to have the rights to protect local data.
NITI AAYOG report says utilization rate of FTAs by Indian exporters is abysmally low (5% to 25%)

opportunities:

Shyam Saran- You cannot hope to play a larger regional role from the margins of the regional economy
“If you want to revive the economy, you cannot do so by turning inwards, but by integrating with the rest of the world with transparent and democratic rules-based mechanisms.” - Raghuram Rajan
India, japan, Australia have started with supply chain resilience initiative which would have got a boost had India been in the RCEP
With WTO faltering, FTAs are the gateways for international trade.
Post pandemic companies would relocate to countries that have FTAs with max number of countries and can provide access to wide markets.

Conclusion- In a world where ‘Geo-economics’ is the new normal, India will have to similarly learn how to integrate its markets into global supply chains, while creating competitive space for its own commercial interests.

IBSA- established in 2003 through Brasilia declaration

Also called as G3 (great democracies of global south)
Was established in context of disagreement over implementing the Doha development agenda
IBSA is a unique Forum which brings together India, Brazil and South Africa, three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.
All three partners are developing, pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious nations.
IBSA is a purely South-South grouping of like-minded countries, committed to inclusive sustainable development, in pursuit of the well-being for their peoples and those of the developing world.
The principles, norms and values underpinning the IBSA Dialogue Forum are participatory democracy, respect for human rights, the Rule of Law and the strengthening of multilateralism.
IBSA Cooperation involves G2G consultation and coordination on global issues of common concern; trilateral collaboration on concrete areas/projects for the common benefit of three countries; and assisting other developing countries by taking up projects in the latter through IBSA Fund.
So far Five IBSA Leadership Summits have been held.
IBSA Fund for Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger, established in 2004, is a unique Fund(with accumulated contributions of USD 37 million) through which development projects are executed with IBSA funding in fellow developing countries.
Till date IBSA has supported 31 projects in 20 partner developing countries in the areas of safe drinking water, agriculture and livestock, solar energy, waste management, health etc., with the aim of contributing to the achievement of the SDG.
Joint naval exercise IBSAMAR (IBSA Maritime Exercise) is another important part of IBSA trilateral defence cooperation. Six editions of IBSAMAR have been held so far, the latest one being of the coast of South Africa in October, 2018.
India has instituted IBSA Visiting Fellowships for researches.
conclusion: IBSA's success demonstrates, most vividly, the desirability and feasibility of South-South cooperation beyond the conventional areas of exchange of experts and training.

APEC-

Formed in 1989 for 21 pacific rim economies.
Represents more than a third of population, 47% of global trade and 60% of world GDP
Features-

Based on concept of “open regionalism”(In “open” forms there are no elements of exclusion or discrimination against nonmembers)
Operates On the basis of non-binding commitment, open dialogue and equal respect
Unlike other multilateral trade organisation it has no treaty obligations
Countries are regarded as member economies
Three pillars

Trade and investment
Business facilitation
Economic and technical coop

Why India has still not been included

Countries think that India is still not enough liberalized
India will have to reform labour laws
India will have to increase ease of doing business

why India must be included

Boost to multilateralism amidst waves of unilateralism and protectionism
Forum will provide increased access to India's labour force and booming consumer market as well as increased investment opportunities.
India will gain opportunities to raise its trade and investment profile in the region, access to APEC’s resources and expertise including the APEC business advisory Council. There is convergence of interest between India and APEC in areas like automation, SMEs and women’s economic participation
Fifth largest economy with a huge market
Knowledge based economy with skilled labour
India has started implementing trade facilitation agreement of WTO
Improving rank in EODB
Various sectors like defence, coal mining have been opened under FDI
India has introduced GST, labour reforms

Conclusion-India must use APEC to complement its geopolitics of indo pacific with geoeconomics.

WHO-

Est in 1948 as a UN specialized agency with HQ in Geneva,Switzerland and 6 regional offices world wide.
Mandate -

To help countries fight global health challenges via policy formulation and ground level implementation
Information dissemination on issues of critical importance for health
Coordinating world efforts in fighting global challenges like polio,HIV,TB to meet SDG targets
Identification , mitigation and management of global health emergencies like pandemics
Conducting research and setting norms and standards for medical professionals,drugs,medical equipments

Structure-

World health Assembly
Executive Board
Secretariat headed by DG

Funding-

From member states (assessed contribution)
Voluntary contribution - now contributes 80% of total funding. This has conditionality attached on spending, thus limiting WHO’s powers.

Achievements-

Alma Ata declaration on primary health care,1978
Child vaccination programs.
WHO has played a key role in eradication of small pox from the world in 1979
Eradication of polio from India
Proactive efforts to control the spread of pandemics like Swine flu, SARS, MERS, HIV,etc

USMCA (earlier NAFTA)

USMCA is a new agreement between USA, Mexico and Canada to strengthen the economy of three countries on North American Continent.
Governs more than $1 T of trade
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to renegotiate NAFTA, which he called “the worst trade deal ever made.” As president, he did so. The result is the USMCA,
Concerns over NAFTA

USA lost thousands of jobs to Mexico and Canada when the manufacturing base shifted to Mexico and Canada due to high production cost in US.
Further, Mexican farm industry and Canadian dairy industry had leverage over US market in terms of volume and employment.

changes

Dairy-US farmers to have access to 3.5% of canadian dairy market. Canada to compensate US dairy farmers for losses incurred due to NAFTA
Dispute settlement-Canada secured protection from US anti-dumping tariffs through the preservation of a dispute settlement mechanism.
Automobile- The US preserve the ability to impose 25% global tariffs on autos .The pact also mandates that vehicle manufacturers source at least 70% of their steel and aluminium from within the three countries.
IPR- extends the period for copyright for literary works and pharmaceuticals
Review of the provisions every 6 years

implications

May restore jobs and manufacturing in US
But such pressure tactics to renegotiate deals goes against spirit of multilateral-ism
Indian exports to be affected due to preferential treatment to Canada and mexico
Gives a near veto to US over Canada and mexico entering similar deals with Countries having a non market economy status , most significantly China

Formed in 1975 in the aftermath of 1973 oil shock
Their share in global GDP has halved from 80 to 40%
47th edition held at Cornwall,UK.
Group of high per capita democracies
Biden is taking lead to make G7 a cohesive grouping against 3Cs- China, COVID and climate change
Countries like India,SK,SA and Australia were also called
Talks of D-11 to include the above countries and partner on emerging technologies like the 5G, to counter the hegemony of Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE
Joint communique

15% minimum taxation of MNCs
Donate 1 billion vaccine doses
$100 B for climate change to be mobilized
$12 T pandemic recovery plan
G 7 unveiled the Build Back better world project which pledges hundreds of billion dollars of infra in low snd middle income countries based on “ values-driven, high-standard and transparent” partnerships. It is seen as counterweight against china’s multi billion dollar BRI
Criticism of china-

On HR record in Xinjiang and HK
Actions in SCS
Non market policies and practices
Origin of virus

PM Modi gave “one earth one health” approach to fight the pandemic at the summit
He also said India is a “natural ally” of G7

Criticism-

Trump called it as “a very outdated group of countries” not properly representing “what’s going on in the world.”
Germany is going ahead with its trade and natural gas exchanges with Russia
France calls for strategic autonomy from Washington
G20 has become a more representative body due to inclusion of BRICS economies
China cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when “small” groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone

Conclusion: The success of any org depends upon the amount of diplomatic capital invested and a proactive approach with clear eyed realism.

Class Notes 4 You

International Organisations

USMCA (earlier NAFTA)

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