G7 leaders gather in Kananaskis, Alberta as Trump’s arrival reignites trade tensions and diplomatic uncertainty for host PM Mark Carney.
World Leaders Arrive in Alberta for High-Stakes G7 Summit
Global leaders began arriving Sunday in Kananaskis, Alberta for the Group of Seven (G7) summit, hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Among them is U.S. President Donald Trump, whose controversial stance on trade and NATO, along with past confrontations, sets the stage for a potentially volatile meeting.
Carney Breaks with Tradition Amid Diplomatic Strain
Carney has opted to forgo the usual G7 joint communiqué, a document summarizing summit agreements, citing a lack of consensus. The move follows precedents set by France in 2019 and reflects growing concerns about U.S. unpredictability under Trump. Carney also challenged America’s global leadership role, criticizing its increasing protectionism and declining support for collective security.
A Shifting Cast of Leaders Join the Summit
This year’s summit features several new faces: Germany’s Friedrich Merz, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Japan’s Shigeru Ishiba. Trump is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, just months after their tense Washington exchange. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited despite controversy over alleged links to violence in Canada, though Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declined to attend.
Trade Tensions Expected to Dominate Talks
Trade remains a flashpoint. Trump’s tariffs and threats of escalating trade wars have unsettled allies. Canadian officials have been holding behind-the-scenes discussions in Washington to ease tensions, but concerns linger. The U.S. continues to run trade deficits with most G7 nations, prompting Trump’s aggressive economic posture.
Trump’s Presence Rekindles Unresolved Friction
Trump’s attendance recalls the 2018 Quebec summit, where he withdrew from the final statement and criticized then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Officials now brace for unpredictable remarks or sudden policy shifts, particularly regarding Russia, which Trump previously suggested should rejoin the G7.
Security Tight in Remote Rocky Mountain Venue
Kananaskis was selected for its isolation, making it easier to manage protests. Law enforcement has set up controlled demonstration zones in Calgary and Banff, equipped with live feeds for summit delegates. The region previously hosted a G8 summit in 2002 and is once again under heavy security lockdown.
NATO Commitments and Future Defense Spending
Ahead of the NATO summit later this month, Secretary-General Mark Rutte is attending the G7 to discuss military spending. Trump continues to pressure allies to meet or exceed 5% of GDP for defense, though Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment only to the current 2% target, emphasizing national interest over external pressure.
A Summit with High Stakes and Uncertain Outcomes
As the summit unfolds, Canada’s role as host places it at the diplomatic crossroads of global economic concerns, military alliances, and political theatre. With Trump in attendance and global trust in flux, the coming days could significantly reshape international dynamics—and Canada’s standing on the world stage.
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