In the wake of the United States’ decision to boycott the G20 summit, global leaders convened in Buenos Aires with the aim of forging new alliances and addressing pressing international issues. The absence of the world’s largest economy sparked discussions on how other nations could fill the leadership vacuum and shape the future of global governance. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa opened the summit, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among nations to tackle shared challenges such as climate change, trade disputes, and economic inequality.
While the U.S. absence was notable, several countries took the opportunity to advance their own agendas, including advancing agreements on multilateral trade and reinforcing commitments to international financial institutions. Some leaders openly criticized President Trump’s policies, particularly his approach to climate accords and trade negotiations, while others focused on strengthening regional partnerships to counterbalance American influence. The summit highlighted the ongoing shifts in global power dynamics, with emerging economies and traditional allies redefining their roles in international diplomacy.