The Group of 7 (G7) summit in the Canadian Rockies brings together world leaders aiming to avoid the acrimony of past meetings, notably the contentious 2018 summit immortalized in a dramatic photograph with President Trump at odds with other leaders. Significant turnover in leadership has reshaped this year’s summit, with four leaders attending their first G7 as heads of government. Amid global flashpoints like the Israel-Iran conflict and the Ukraine war, discussions will also focus on trade tensions and energy security. German Chancellor Merz highlighted the importance of addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and seeking diplomatic solutions.

The summit organizers have shifted focus to shorter, more focused statements to prevent blowups like the one in 2018. Trade negotiations, Ukraine, and global economic issues will dominate discussions, although major breakthroughs are not expected. Trump’s skepticism towards multilateral fora and his preference for one-on-one talks will influence the summit dynamics. Canadian Prime Minister Carney aims to avoid confrontation, emphasizing economic and security matters over past divisive topics. The summit provides insight into Trump’s approach to engaging with world leaders collectively.

As the summit unfolds, the collective sentiment on trade, Ukraine, and other global issues remains uncertain. Trump’s selective engagement with multilateral organizations and preference for personal interactions may shape the outcomes of this crucial international gathering. The summit serves as a platform for leaders to navigate complex geopolitical challenges while balancing individual interests and collective cooperation.