The world is witnessing an intensified struggle for supremacy as China, Russia, and the US, together with its G7 allies, vie for diplomatic traction and geopolitical influence.
This contest plays out in strategic nations, with the upcoming high-profile summits serving as critical arenas for these global power plays.
Shifting strategy in the global influence race
The annual Group of Seven (G7) meeting, scheduled for May 19 in Japan, kickstarts a series of pivotal gatherings.
Here, the G7 and European Union leaders are geared up to initiate a “battle of offers” against Beijing and Moscow, aiming to sway middle-ground countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, South Africa, and Kazakhstan, according to insider sources.
The West’s renewed strategy involves a subtle shift from primarily values-driven diplomacy to a more pragmatic approach.
The focus is on tangible offerings in trade and security, aiming to counter China’s infrastructure investment and Russia’s provision of weapons and nuclear-energy technology, which have shown considerable appeal to these nations.
The counteroffers: China and Russia’s push for influence
Simultaneously, as the G7 leaders deliberate in Hiroshima, President Xi Jinping will be hosting the China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an.
A few months later, President Vladimir Putin will entertain African leaders in St. Petersburg, leveraging Western sanctions to foster support among impoverished African nations reeling from inflation and grain shortages.
Furthermore, the BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will convene in Johannesburg. Plans to expand the group and introduce a common currency signal a potential paradigm shift away from the US dollar, further fueling China’s ambitions.
Western powers are finding that their traditional leverage is waning. Countries previously reliant on Western support are realizing the potential benefits of alternative partnerships.
This sentiment was recently evident when the US faced backlash from South Africa over allegations of weapon supply to Russia.
Meanwhile, the G7 has been attempting to counter China’s influence, with mixed outcomes. The current conflict in Ukraine has sparked a renewed sense of urgency to these endeavors.
Misinformation and influence campaigns targeting anti-Western sentiment, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and the “Global South,” have become increasingly prevalent, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The G7’s outreach to the Global South and their commitment to upholding the rule of law remains at the core of their strategy, although their efforts are met with skepticism and resistance.
Countries like India prefer to preserve strategic autonomy, while Vietnam, despite benefiting from trade diversification, cannot overlook China’s massive consumer market.
With the world stage set for an intense race for global dominance, the G7, China, and Russia are gearing up to assert their influence.
While the G7 and EU are focusing on sanction circumvention and enhancing relationships with middle ground countries, China and Russia are making headway with their diplomatic push.
As we move forward, it remains to be seen in the upcoming months how this significant geopolitical competition will impact and shape the new world order.
