RUSSIA TO PULL OUT OF THE G8 FOR THE G20

Written by Michael Thervil

Dmitry Peskov Photo by Sergei Bobylev, Reuters

It was recently revealed by Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov that Russia is “no longer interested in the G8 format. From the perspective of a geopolitical analyst, this is a very strategic move coming from Russia. The question is why? For decades Russia has been trying to get the attention of the G8 to not only listen but see Russia as an equal partner. Prior to the G8 was the G7 which was founded in 1975 and is still active, consisting of the United States, German, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Canada, German, and Italy. Russia was added in 1997 and hence the G8 came into existence. And since Russia has expressed its intention to leave the G8 in favor of the G20, this strategic move by Russia is setting the stage for Russia to expand its influence in the world in terms of building strategic partnerships with developing nations.

According to Dmitry Peskov:

“WE have been saying for years that we are no longer interested in this format. Because we no longer consider it relevant from the point of view of claiming some kind of leading role. The center of economic development has already shifted in another direction, and other countries are already legislators of economic processes. In this respect, the G20 format is more attractive for us.”

With Russia essentially spearheading BRICS and forming alliances with countries within the Sahel region of Africa, from the perspective of Russia, aligning themselves with nations of the G20 presents Russia with the unique opportunity to further decouple themselves from America and the collective west as well as diversify their international dealing with other countries. In fact, many countries, especially African countries are turning their backs on the collective west in favor of the east. If you’re wondering which countries make up the G20, those member countries are as follows: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, south Africa, South Korea, turkey, United Kingdom, united states and now Russia.

Russia's move to fully engage in the G20 comes several months before the two-day 2025 G20 summit which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 22 and 23.

“Group 20” simply known as G20 shares many of the same characteristics and agenda points of the G7 which are social and economic development of the countries involved as well as establishing agreements on trade and security as well as health and finance. Since the world has shifted from a unipolar order to a multi-polar order, it seems like Russia is ahead of the curve when it comes to building and establishing international diplomatic relationships that foster growth and development amongst “developing countries”.