It's always good to watch global politics (and democracy) in action, so I was quite interested to see what came out of this year’s G7 summit (and also see what else had been happening around the time of the summit).
It used to be a G8 summit (up until 2014), but after Putin annexed Crimea (in response to the 2014 Ukraine coup), Russia was given the heave-ho. And given the current situation in Ukraine, well, he was always going to be a no-show this year.
Germany
Germany was chairing the G7 this year, so it (given usual German organisational ability) was tasked with organising and running the G7 summit this time. On time. And at a nice schloss in the Bavarian Alps, where they could all get royally schlossed.
https://www.deutschland.de/en/G7-at-...G7-Summit-2022
There was the to-be-expected discussion on (i) more weapons to Ukraine (ii) restrictions on gold sales by Russia (iii) imposing of price caps on sales of Russian gas. Despite the obvious challenges inherent in achieving all three goals.
There was even a mention of the German "Climate Club". At first, I thought this was some reference to naked hiking or sun-bathing (given the German passion for doing so), but no, it was all about "green projects" and the need for commitment to co-ordinated climate policy and action. Just as well they held the summit during the middle of Summer - while it was nice and warm - and there were no concerns about a lack of gas (or use of coal).
https://www.politico.eu/article/olaf...it-in-germany/
United States of America
I'm not quite sure what Joe Biden made of the G7 summit. Or whether he registered what country he was in. He was probably just happy that all the attendees largely played well together, gave a sense of political unity, and were all committed to “more arms to Ukraine”, “an enhanced NATO”, and “more EU spending on NATO”.
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/30/p...y-3/index.html
And by the time he arrived home, well, it was only a few days until July 4 (US Independence Day) and celebration of the US Declaration of Independence. And more fire-works (as if there weren’t already enough at home).
United Kingdom
Given that the Germans and the Poles are not on such cordial terms at the moment (it’s a tradition), I see that Boris Johnson has been delegated responsibility for the Intermarium project (and that the UK will be working with Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic states on their ongoing security).
Boris seemed to enjoy himself immensely during the summit, and was all smiles during the photo ops. Probably just as well, given the economic situation and the Northern Ireland Brexit border issue awaiting him at home.
I did hear from a completely unreliable source that Boris and the Ukrainian chap (name begins with Z) did a great comedy duo one evening. Though I understand it was slightly marred when the Ukrainian chap was mis-translated at one stage ("welcoming" was mis-translated as "incoming"), and they all dived under their desk, started counting their rosary beads and kissing each other's ar$e (more than usual). Probably not surprising given Putin's absence this year. No doubt they all had a good (nervous) laugh about it afterwards.
That was possibly around the same time that Boris and Justin had been mocking Putin, with each offering to strip off down to their waist and show off their pecs (that's not a picture I want to see). Though I suspect it was more to show off their "non-toxic masculinity", and to reassure the female leaders of the two Scandinavian countries (Sweden and Finland) intent on joining NATO.
It was probably just as well that separately, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was doing her best "Margaret Thatcher" impression and staying on message:
https://ok.ru/video/3837571173062 [video might take a few seconds to load and start playing - turn volume on]
Though, when the Argentinian President later brought up the subject of Thatcher and the Malvinas (Falklands) with Boris at the G7, I understand the conversation was rather short. I would not be too surprised if Fernandez has a conversation with Putin at the next BRICS conference (to get some ideas how best to reclaim the Malvinas).
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/u...-b2111476.html
France
Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron were all smiles in each other's company, and were busy patting each other on the back. Probably each searching for a soft spot to stick the knife in. Both indicated an opportunity to "turn the tide", though I struggle to see how these two ever hope to succeed (given Danish king Canute's past failure to achieve that goal).
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/g7-s...ct-now-3101977
While the G7 summit was being staged, several other activities were also being conducted in parallel. All very interesting in their own way.
1.
Sweden and Norway
Representatives from both Sweden and Norway (along with NATO S-G Jens Stoltenberg) were busy in discussion – and successful in reaching agreement with Turkey - on the terms of Turkey's approval of their entry to the NATO club. It apparently all hinged around the quality of the coffee, and on working out what sacrifices had to be made (or should I say, who has to be sacrificed).
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ee-break-reset
https://ria-ru.translate.goog/202206..._x_tr_pto=wapp
Meanwhile, if Russia had ever believed Turkey would continue to deny Sweden and Finland access to NATO, then Erdogan’s latest action (quite apart from supplying UAV’s to Ukraine) will have reinforced their view of his reliability as a political ally.
2.
The Baltics, the EC and NATO
Lithuania supposedly decided to observe EU sanctions, and to deny Russia access to its Kalingrad enclave on the Baltic Sea (for the supply of certain goods). Russia has responded only by publicly reiterating its right of overland access (under treaty, via Belarus and Lithuania), and simply threatened economic repercussions if land access continued to be denied.
https://www.strategic-culture.org/ne...-consequences/
Lithuania continued to say that it was only “doing what it had been told” by the EU (EC), which has now after one week decided to reconsider and to back down. Especially after Germany – whose NATO contingent is located in and responsible for “defending” Lithuania – also reconsidered its current position.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitic...issiles-baltic
Meanwhile, all the Baltic states have learned a valuable lesson. That if Russia had acted militarily to re-establish contact via a land bridge (conducting a land invasion via Belarus and the Suwalki Gap) – and a conventional land war with NATO forces had then ensued, NATO command in Brussels does not have the necessary military resources to defend them – but more important, nor do they have the intention of “defending” them.
The Baltic states would first have to fight on their own (“smoke and burn”), until which point NATO – once it has assembled sufficient western forces and resources – could then “come to their rescue and liberate them.” Or what’s left of them. Maybe. Food for thought.
3.
Australia
Australia does NATO:
https://johnmenadue.com/mr-albanese-...o-global-nato/
I see that following the G7, Emannuel Macron has also spent some time with the new Australian PM, and that they have patched up their earlier little disagreement over the (non-) purchase of French submarines.
https://apnews.com/article/france-pa...0eb9944f002bb9
4.
New Zealand
Jacinda Ardern did several rousing speeches (at the G7, then to Chatham House in the UK), saying all the right words and reconfirming the ongoing supply of NZ military resources in the defence of Ukraine.
I suppose that it might be too late to send a NZ frigate through the Taiwan strait, as a way of helping China commemorate Hong Kong’s 25th anniversary under Chinese rule. Assuming that we have one that is currently sea-worthy. Maybe just a patrol boat?.
Life just gets more and more interesting.
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