G8

Group of Eight
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Formation	1975
Type	Inter-governmental political forum
Headquarters	No permanent secretariat
Membership	8 member countries
Language	English, French
Leader title	Chair
Leader name	Rotates annually
Website	N/A

The Group of Eight (G8) was an inter-governmental political forum from 1997 until 2014, consisting of the world's major highly industrialized economies. The G8 was formed to address global economic and political issues, and it played a significant role in shaping international policies.

History

The origins of the G8 can be traced back to the 1973 oil crisis and the subsequent global recession. In response, the leaders of the world's major economies convened to discuss economic policy. The first such meeting, known as the G6, took place in 1975 in Rambouillet, France, and included France, West Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In 1976, Canada joined the group, forming the G7. The group expanded to the G8 in 1997 with the inclusion of Russia. However, following the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, the G8 reverted to the G7, excluding Russia from the forum.

Structure and Function

The G8 did not have a permanent secretariat or headquarters. Instead, the presidency of the group rotated annually among the member countries, which were responsible for hosting the annual summit and setting the agenda. The G8 summits provided a platform for the leaders to discuss and coordinate policies on a wide range of issues, including economic growth, international trade, security, and environmental challenges.

Member Countries

The G8 consisted of the following countries:

• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Japan
• Russia (suspended in 2014)
• United Kingdom
• United States

Key Issues and Achievements

The G8 addressed numerous global issues during its existence. Some of the key areas of focus included:

• Economic Policy: The G8 played a crucial role in coordinating economic policies among the world's largest economies, particularly during times of financial crisis.
• Development: The group committed to various initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development, particularly in Africa.
• Climate Change: The G8 summits often included discussions on environmental issues and climate change, leading to commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Security: The G8 addressed global security challenges, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and regional conflicts.

Criticism and Controversies

The G8 faced criticism for its exclusivity, as it included only a small number of countries, excluding emerging economies and developing nations. Critics argued that the G8 was not representative of the global population and that its decisions often favored the interests of its member countries.

Transition to G7

In 2014, following Russia's annexation of Crimea, the G8 members decided to suspend Russia's participation, effectively reverting to the G7 format. The G7 continues to meet and address global issues, maintaining the legacy of the G8.

Also see

• G7
• G20
• International Monetary Fund
• World Bank
• United Nations