President Donald Trump’s visit to the Group of Seven summit in Canada marks a turning point in his approach to international relations. While he has long relied on intimidation and threats to get what he wants, many world leaders are now pushing back against his aggressive posture.
The European Council on Foreign Relations’ Jeremy Shapiro notes that while some leaders may still be intimidated by Trump’s bullying tactics, they are increasingly recognizing the pattern of behavior. This newfound awareness is leading to a more assertive approach from world leaders, who are willing to stand up to Trump and resist his demands.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been vocal about pushing back against Trump’s tariffs and asserting Canada’s independence from the US. French President Emmanuel Macron has also taken a firm stance, calling for cooperation without being instructed on how to conduct international relations.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has made it clear that Japan will not be intimidated by Trump’s tariff agenda, and instead plans to discuss economic cooperation in private. The summit provides an opportunity for world leaders to reset relations with the US and promote a more cooperative approach to global challenges.
While some world leaders have been flattered or charmed by Trump, others are more willing to take on his aggressive behavior. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire believes that the G7 summit is an opportunity for Trump to mend relationships and build trust with other countries.
The summit marks a shift in the dynamic between the US and its allies, as world leaders become increasingly confident in their ability to sidestep Trump’s threats and resist his demands. As one senior Canadian official noted, the absence of a joint communiqué from the G7 this year reflects the difficulty of getting Trump on the same page with other world leaders.
With the summit underway, it remains to be seen how effectively Trump will be able to assert his influence in international relations. However, it is clear that many world leaders are no longer intimidated by his aggressive behavior and are instead taking a more proactive approach to promoting global cooperation and stability.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-fear-summit-taco-trade-117f9034f2a06d23bfbb2de201431c54