G-20: Channel for Multilateral World Political Order 

24 Feb G-20: Channel for Multilateral World Political Order 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”  and topic details of the G-20: Channel for Multilateral  world political order 

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-2-International  Relations- G-20: Channel for Multilateral World Political Order 

FOR PRELIMS

What is G-20? Membership Countries, History of G-20 and G-20 Declarations.

FOR MAINS

Why in the news?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the G20 session in South Africa, highlighted the strain on the global order due to ongoing conflicts. He called for greater plurilateralism and emphasized that global agendas should not be driven by a few interests, urging collective efforts for international law and multilateral cooperation. On the Middle East, Jaishankar welcomed the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, reaffirming India’s strong stance against terrorism and support for a two-state solution. He also stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Lebanon and finding a Syrian-led solution to the ongoing conflict, noting that stability in the region is crucial for global peace.

What is the G-20 Group?

The G20 Group (Group of Twenty) is an international forum of major economies that brings together 19 countries and the European Union and African Union to discuss and coordinate policies on global economic issues. The G20 was established in 1999 to promote international financial stability and foster dialogue on economic cooperation. It includes both developed and developing countries, representing about 85% of global GDP and 75% of global trade.

Key Members: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK, the US, the European Union, and the African Union.

Evolutions of G-20 group:

1. Formation:
1999: The G20 was created as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss the global economy after the Asian financial crisis.
2008: The G20 was elevated to a summit of heads of state and government in response to the global financial crisis.
2009: The G20 was designated the “premier forum for international economic cooperation.”
2. Expansion of Focus:
The G20’s agenda expanded to include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, energy, environment, and anti-corruption.
It has emphasized inclusive growth, women empowerment, and representation.
3. Annual Summits:
Since 2010, the G20 has held annual summits with the host country rotating each year. The presidency brings together the G20 agenda.
4. Membership:
The G20 includes the world’s major economies, the European Union and the African Union.

India and G-20 Group

1. India’s Joining the G20:
India became a member of the G20 in 1999 when the group was formed as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors to discuss the global economy, especially after the Asian financial crisis.
2. India’s Leadership Role in the G20:
India has been an active participant and contributor to the G20 discussions, especially on issues like inclusive growth, sustainable development, climate change, and reform of international institutions.
As a major emerging economy, India advocates for the interests of developing nations, pushing for reforms in global financial governance and ensuring that the voices of Global South countries are heard.
3. India’s Presidency in 2023:
India is hosting the G20 Presidency in 2023, marking its first time as the host country.
The theme for India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), inspired by India’s ancient philosophy that underscores the interconnectedness of all people and nations.
During its presidency, India aims to focus on addressing global challenges, such as:
Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Health, Inclusive Growth, Energy Security, Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation.

G-20 group a platform for Plurilateralism

The G-20 has become a platform for plurilateralism, where specific groups of countries within the forum cooperate on targeted global issues. Unlike multilateralism, which involves broad agreements among most nations, plurilateralism allows for quicker, more focused action on issues like climate change, trade, and global health.
1. Focused Action: G-20 tackles urgent issues efficiently, like digital economy and sustainable development, with smaller groups of countries.
2. Flexibility: Plurilateral agreements within the G-20 bypass the gridlock of larger organizations, addressing challenges quickly.
3. Strategic Alliances: Initiatives like AUKUS and the Minerals Security Partnership reflect targeted collaboration within the group.
4. Geopolitical Cooperation: The G-20 helps resolve issues where countries with shared interests can form alliances (e.g., climate action, trade reform).
5. Overcoming Deadlocks: Plurilateralism within the G-20 enables progress when larger multilateral bodies like the UN or WTO stall.

What are the issues hindering G-20 Grouping? 

1. Differing Priorities: Developed and developing nations within the G-20 often have conflicting economic priorities, making consensus difficult.
2. Lack of Enforcement Power: The G-20 has no authority to enforce summit decisions, leading to concerns about unfulfilled commitments.
3. Climate Change Disagreement: Differing national views on emissions reduction and financial responsibility make it hard to reach a climate action consensus.
4. Inequality Concerns: The economic gap between rich and poor countries within the G-20 poses challenges to addressing issues like poverty and sustainable development.
5. Trade Disputes: Protectionism and trade wars among member states can undermine global economic cooperation.
6. Debt Crisis: High debt levels in some developing countries limit their ability to engage effectively in discussions.
7. Lack of Inclusivity: Some argue the G-20 does not fully represent the interests of smaller and developing economies.

Recommendation to Strengthen G-20 Group

1. Enhanced Cooperation Amid Geopolitical Rivalries: Foster dialogue and trust-building initiatives between major powers like the US and China to resolve differences and promote collaboration on global issues.
2. Clear Accountability Mechanisms: Introduce mechanisms for monitoring and holding member states accountable for fulfilling commitments, ensuring that summit agreements are acted upon effectively.
3. Addressing Economic Inequality: Focus on policies that narrow the gap between rich and poor countries, including tailored solutions for poverty reduction, debt relief, and sustainable development.
4. Promoting Trade Cooperation: Strengthen international trade agreements and tackle protectionism by creating frameworks that encourage open markets and fair competition.
5. Debt Relief Initiatives: Enhance support for developing countries with high debt burdens through debt restructuring programs or low-interest financing options to facilitate better participation in global discussions.
6. Strengthening Multilateralism: Build stronger cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF to align G-20 priorities with broader global goals, ensuring a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to challenges.
7. Developing Actionable Solutions: Shift focus from broad, aspirational goals to more concrete and actionable policies that can address immediate global issues like health crises, economic recovery, and sustainable energy transitions.
8. Climate Change Consensus: Establish a more unified approach to climate action, with clear emission reduction targets and shared financial responsibility to drive collective global progress.

Conclusion