History

In 1975 the Group of Eight or G8 originally had only six members France, Germany, Italy, the

United Kingdom, Japan, the United States and Canada. Back in 1975 they were known as Group
of Six or G6 . In 1977 European Union joined the group and In 1994 Russia became the eight
member. The Group of Eight has annual summits discussing the global issues like energy ,
economic growth and global security. Prior to the summits, ambassadors and diplomatic advisers
provide the groundwork for discussions. The diplomatic advisors also give their guidance on
issues to the United Nations General Assembly sessions and World Bank meetings and to
International Monetary Fund. The meeting location changes every year . In 2014 Russia was
suspended from the group for precipitating an international crisis when it occupied and annexed
Crimea. After the the suspension of Russia it is currently known as group of seven or G7. France
and the United Kingdom want to expand the group to include five developing countries Brazil ,
India, Peoples Republic of China, South Africa and Mexico. These countries also have
participated in the these meeting as a guest known as G8+5.

Importance
Developing countries regard stimulating their economy and improving living standards as
primary goals. One of the purposes of China's participation in the North-South dialogue is to
promote communication and cooperation over key international issues and common challenges
facing mankind. China has attached great importance to cooperation with the G8 and has actively
participated in related activities.
The G8, is made up of the seven most powerful economies of the world, (United States, Japan,
Germany, France, UK, Canada, Italy) and Russia. Together they form a very powerful and
influential (though informal) group of nations. For example, they accounting for almost 50% of
the votes at the IMF and World Bank. The G8 plays an important role in global governance. The
worlds elite economic and political countries make up the G8. Together, these countries are
able to push policies and agendas in formal world institutions. For example, G8 countries have
nearly 50% of the vote in the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). G8 countries

also have enormous influence in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Security Council
of the United Nations (UN). It is through these formal international institutions that many of the
G8s decisions become reality in the world.

Besides the central summit meeting, the G8 nations will hold talks with leaders of five major
developing countries China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico. Some leaders of other
African countries have also been invited. As the current rotating chair nation, Britain has decided
eliminating Africa's poverty and dealing with global climate change are the two key topics for
discussion. Britain hopes an agreement on the program for fighting poverty it proposed will be
reached at the summit. The G8 gathering, like that of any other international organization, is also
an arena for wrangling over national interests. It is safe to suppose that without the support of the
US, Blair will find it difficult to push his agenda on aid to Africa and global warming. The
dialogue between the G8 and the five developing countries will enhance mutual understanding
and cooperation between the northern and southern hemispheres.
The G8 does not act as a single unit to run the world. There is just as much difference and
disagreement between G8 countries as there is common ground and agreement. Other countries
and groups of countries have power in the world as well and can say no to G8 policies and
actions. However, through the G8, member countries can make deals and compromises with one
another and then form powerful alliances to exert influence in world politics.