Who are the leaders of all G7 countries?

This week, leaders representing the G7 are meeting in Europe to discuss their continued partnership and alignment on how to continue confronting Russia in Ukraine and address the security risks of a larger conflict exploding in the Middle East as Israel continues its assault on the Gaza Strip.

The G7 (Group of Seven Nations) brings together the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom. It traces its origins to the early 1970s, emerging as a forum for addressing economic challenges in the wake of the collapse of the Bretton Woods system (see below). Originally comprising six members – France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States – the group held its first summit in 1975, hosted by France.

Canada joined the following year, expanding the group to its current configuration of seven member states. Since then, the G7 has convened annually, with leaders engaging in discussions on various economic issues, including fiscal and monetary policy, trade liberalization, and sustainable development.

From 1997 to 2014, Russia was also included in the group, which was referred to as the G8 during this time. However, the nation was suspended indefinitely following the annexation of Crimea, returning it to seven. The block of the European Union (EU) now plays a part in the G7, although it doesn’t affect the name.

Despite its standing as a beacon of economic prowess and diplomatic influence, the specifics of its composition remain shrouded in ambiguity for some. Additionally, this year, elections are occurring in many of the G7 countries, and new leaders could undermine the group’s unity as disagreements arise over how to proceed in addressing the growing number of crises around the world.

The seven nations of the G7 and their leaders:

United States

As the world’s largest economy, the United States occupies a central position within the G7. With its vast industrial base, technological innovation, and formidable military prowess, it wields considerable influence over the group’s deliberations. President Joseph Biden brought some stability back to the alliance after the tenure of Donald Trump and his ‘American First’ approach to international politics, which isolated the country from most of its strongest historical allies.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are expected to face off again for the US Presidency in November, though their positions on their respective tickets will not be confirmed until this summer when the parties host their conventions.

United Kingdom

A stalwart of the G7 since its inception, the United Kingdom brings a rich tapestry of historical legacy and modern economic clout to the table. Despite recent geopolitical upheavals, its global significance remains undiminished.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been leading the UK since 2022 and is facing an election in less than a month where his political party is expected to be wiped out by the Labor Party, led by Sir Kier Starmer. PM Sunak has come under fire recently for his decision to leave celebrations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy to return to the UK for an interview. The celebrations were of great importance as the 90th is not expected to have any surviving veterans from the war living to participate.

Japan

Renowned for its technological prowess and industrial innovation, Japan is pivotal in the G7. As a key player in the Asia-Pacific region, it provides a crucial bridge between East and West. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida represents Japan at these events. PM Kishida has been serving in the role since 2021 and was the leader of his country when former PM Shinzo Abe was assassinated in 2022. Abe, like Kishda, was a member of the Liberal Democrats.

Germany

As the economic powerhouse of Europe, Germany stands as a paragon of industrial might and fiscal stability. Its voice carries weight within the G7, reflecting its status as an engine of European integration. Germany’s current Prime Minister is Olaf Scholz. PM Scholz succeeded Angela Merckle, who had served as Germany’s Head of State from 2005 through 2021.

In the mid-June European Parliamentary elections, Scholz’s party, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), came in third after the Christian Democratic Union (the party of Anglea Merkle) and Alternative for Germany, a far-right party that has many in Europe concerned about the future of German politics and what it means for the European project.

France

With its rich cultural heritage and diplomatic finesse, France lends an air of sophistication to the G7 proceedings. As a nuclear-armed nation and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, its geopolitical clout is undeniable. President Emmanuel Macron serves as France’s Head of State. President Macron has been one of the only European leaders to toy with the idea of sending troops to Ukraine to support the domestic military in their defense against Russian forces. In the recent EU elections, the far-right National Rally party, led by political leader Marine Le Pen, earned the greatest number of votes, leading the French president to call a snap election that will take place in just a few weeks. These national parliamentary elections do not mean that Macron will give up his seat as president. Still, if the far-right takes control of the body, his ability to govern will be severely limited.

Italy

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe, Italy infuses the G7 with its unique blend of historical legacy and Mediterranean charm. Despite economic challenges, it remains an integral member of the group, enriching discussions with its cultural perspective. Aside from UK PM Rishi Sunak, Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, is the newest addition to the G-7. Though Meloni’s party, the Brothers of Italy, has historical ties to supporters of dictator Benito Mussolini, has shown sympathies towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, and contains members who expose euro-skeptic ideologies, she has been accepted as a member of the coalition and, on the international stage, has attempted to moderate her image.

Canada

As a steadfast proponent of liberal democracy and multilateralism, Canada rounds off the G7 roster with its expansive geography and diverse society. Its commitment to progressive values and international cooperation amplifies the group’s collective voice on the world stage. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the longest-serving G-7 head of state. PM Trudeau has served since 2015, with the country holding its next national election next year.

European Union

Often referred to as its “8th member,” the EU enjoys all the benefits and responsibilities of membership but does not have the authority to host or lead a summit. Despite its significant involvement, the EU is not counted in the G7′s numerical designation as the group’s full title, the “Group of Seven Nations,” does not explicitly include the EU, resulting in eight members in total within the G7.

As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges ranging from climate change to global health crises and growing conflicts across various parts of the globe, the importance of such collaborative endeavors cannot be overstated. And the stakes are high.

What was the Bretton Woods system?

The Bretton Woods system was established in 1944 to promote international economic stability after World War II. Its main features included fixed exchange rates tied to the U.S. dollar, the creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and the dollar’s gold convertibility.

However, the system faced challenges and collapsed in 1971 when the U.S. suspended the pegging of the dollar to the Gold Standard. Despite its end, Bretton Woods laid the foundation for international monetary cooperation and the establishment of key financial institutions, such as the World Trade Organization.