Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly stated that the United States should not overestimate its role in global matters. Carney, addressing journalists at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, stressed that the economic ‘center of gravity’ is moving away from America. The summit took place without the United States, which had boycotted it under President Donald Trump’s claim that South Africa was perpetrating a genocide against white farmers. Despite the absence, Carney noted that the G20’s decisions still carry substantial influence, underscoring the changing global economic dynamics.
Trumps claim that the summit was not attended by American delegates led to the decision as a result. The G20 issued a declaration on Sunday anyway, despite the absence of the United States. Carney emphasized that the meeting brought together nations representing three-quarters of the world’s population, two-thirds of global GDP, and three-quarters of the world’s trade, even without formal US attendance. This highlights the shifting balance of power in the global economy. Canada, alongside other nations, is seeking to strengthen ties with countries such as South Africa, India, and China to further its economic interests.
Meanwhile, Russian presidential aide Maksim Oreshkin led Moscow’s delegation and expressed that the summit was a success, with constructive communications taking place with friendly nations and even receiving proposals for economic cooperation from unfriendly ones. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated ahead of the summit that the G20 is moving forward and will not be bullied, calling the US boycott a loss for the United States. The absence of the United States from the summit has prompted other nations to explore alternative avenues for economic collaboration and political influence.
The implications of the US boycott have sparked discussions about the future of the G20 and the role of major economies in shaping global policies. As the economic center of gravity shifts in favor of other nations, the United States may find itself increasingly isolated in its global influence. The G20’s decisions, despite US absence, continue to shape international trade and economic strategies. This development marks a significant shift in the balance of global power and economic influence.
Carney’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among emerging economies to assert their role in international decision-making processes. The summit served as a platform for nations to collectively address critical global issues without the dominant presence of a single superpower. This shift could lead to more collaborative and inclusive international policies, reshaping the geopolitical and economic landscape for years to come.