Even though I'm Australian and vicariously flattered by this recommendation, I'm puzzled that they're not recommending China's inclusion in the G7. China is listed as the 3rd-most geopolitically...
Even though I'm Australian and vicariously flattered by this recommendation, I'm puzzled that they're not recommending China's inclusion in the G7. China is listed as the 3rd-most geopolitically capable country in the world - so, to paraphrase the chief analyst, "there is a prima facie case" for China to join the G7. There's also a prima facie case for Italy to be dropped from the G7, given its ranking of 12th most geopolitically capable.
The membership of the G7 is obviously not based solely on geopolitical capability. It's not that simple. There's also a lot of history and modern-day politicking involved. This is demonstrated by the fact that the G7 has formerly been the G6, the G7, the G8, and then the G7 again. Its membership is just whoever the cool kids want to let into the treehouse.
Even though I'm Australian and vicariously flattered by this recommendation, I'm puzzled that they're not recommending China's inclusion in the G7. China is listed as the 3rd-most geopolitically capable country in the world - so, to paraphrase the chief analyst, "there is a prima facie case" for China to join the G7. There's also a prima facie case for Italy to be dropped from the G7, given its ranking of 12th most geopolitically capable.
The membership of the G7 is obviously not based solely on geopolitical capability. It's not that simple. There's also a lot of history and modern-day politicking involved. This is demonstrated by the fact that the G7 has formerly been the G6, the G7, the G8, and then the G7 again. Its membership is just whoever the cool kids want to let into the treehouse.