The
G8 summit, taking place this week in Northern Ireland, represents a yearly
gathering of 8 of the world’s 11 most wealthy countries. Every year, world
leaders from the Group of 8 meet to discuss primarily the global economy, but
also pressing topics such as terrorism, world food supply, and this year, the
Syrian conflict. Representing 50.1 percent of the world’s total GDP, there is
no question that these eight countries hold more sway than most. Yet in the
face of deep divisions between members such as Russia and the US, as well as
the absence of China, India, and Brazil, does the G8 truly still have relevance
in today’s world?
