The world can indeed function without the United States, according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who made these remarks during the recent G20 summit in South Africa. Carney, addressing journalists on the sidelines of the summit, stated that the US should not overestimate its role in the global economy, with the ‘center of gravity’ shifting significantly. Despite the US boycott, the summit brought together the majority of the world’s population, GDP, and trade, underscoring the declining influence of the United States in international affairs.
President Donald Trump, who chose not to attend the summit, accused South Africa of perpetrating genocide against white farmers, a reason he provided for his absence. The US, as a result, did not participate in the discussions, leading to claims that only a chairman’s summary could be released. However, the G20 still issued a declaration on Sunday, demonstrating the commitment of the participating nations to continue global collaboration despite the absence of the United States.
Carney further expressed Canada’s growing interest in fostering relationships with various international partners, including South Africa, India, and China. This strategic move signals a broader effort by Canada to diversify its global alliances and reduce dependency on traditional partners. Russian presidential aide Maksim Oreshkin praised the summit’s success, noting that Moscow maintained constructive communication with ‘friendly nations’ and even received proposals for economic cooperation from ‘unfriendly’ ones.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced his support for the summit, stating that it is ‘moving forward’ and that the US boycott was ‘their loss.’ This sentiment reflects a broader confidence in the ability of the G20 to function effectively without US participation, highlighting the shifting dynamics in global economic leadership and the increasing role of other nations in international affairs.