As the Group of 20 talks commence this week, the influence of former President Donald Trump is already causing ripples behind the scenes. Argentine President Javier Milei, a top global ally of Trump, recently threatened to block a joint leaders' statement at the summit, signaling a shift in diplomatic dynamics.
Milei's resistance to the final communiqué, particularly regarding taxation on the ultra-rich and gender issues, raised eyebrows among diplomats. This move was seen as an attempt to align with the incoming administration, following Milei's recent face-to-face meeting with Trump, making him the first world leader to do so since the election.
The impact of Trump's shadow was also evident at the APEC summit in Peru, where discussions revolved around Trump's surprising Cabinet selections, including Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth. The speculation and anticipation surrounding the new administration's policies and appointments dominated private conversations among delegations.
While President Joe Biden focused on promoting American leadership and addressing global challenges during his final major summits, world leaders seemed to be looking beyond his tenure and towards the future with Trump's impending return to the political arena.
Despite Biden's efforts to engage with leaders from Japan, South Korea, and Peru, the specter of Trump loomed large, as hinted at by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his summit with Biden. Xi expressed readiness to collaborate with the new U.S. administration, signaling a shift in international relations.
The dispute over the G20 statement highlighted the potential resurgence of contention that characterized world leader summits during Trump's presidency. Milei's bold stance was interpreted as a strategic move to establish a new center of power among like-minded leaders, possibly influenced by Trump's election.
As Biden addressed issues such as combating hunger, poverty, climate change, and development at the summit, concerns lingered about the continuity of these initiatives under the incoming administration. The anticipated policy shifts under Trump's leadership could lead to divisions within the G20 and impact global cooperation.
While countries anticipate the transition in the U.S., Biden's administration emphasized the importance of a smooth handover of power. The evolving dynamics at the G20 summit underscore the complex interplay between past and future leadership in shaping global politics.
