G20 Ministers Convene in Johannesburg Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
Johannesburg, South Africa – In the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, foreign ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20) nations have gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a two-day meeting commencing on Thursday.
Agenda and Strategic Vacuum
The meeting’s agenda includes discussions on the Middle East conflict, the Ukraine war, the transformation of global institutions, and climate change adaptation. Rubio has declined to attend the summit, citing, among other reasons, South Africa’s stance on allies such as Israel.
Rubio’s absence creates a strategic vacuum that could be filled primarily by Russia and China. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China are expected to participate. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has delegated her representation to Katja Keul, Minister of State in the Foreign Office.
G20’s Role and Geopolitical Context
Major international conflicts, including the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict, have dominated recent G20 meetings. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the G20 provided one of the last forums for direct encounters between senior US and Russian officials. In Johannesburg, however, only a diplomat from the US embassy is anticipated to attend.
Beyond the geopolitical landscape, many non-Western G20 member states have emphasized other priority areas. The summit will address reforms to the international financial architecture, with developing and emerging economies calling for greater equity in global financial structures, particularly regarding loans, debt, and access to investment capital.
South Africa also aims to promote enhanced international cooperation in the mining sector, focusing on critical raw materials essential for the energy transition. Equitable global taxation and climate change mitigation remain recurring themes.
Russia and China’s Positioning
Russia and China have positioned themselves as partners for the Global South in recent years. China has emphasized trade, commodities, and infrastructure, while Russia has focused on military cooperation, arms exports, and energy sector development. In Africa, in particular, Russia and China have significantly expanded their economic and diplomatic presence, presenting themselves as alternatives to Western nations.
European Ambitions
European countries face a challenge in maintaining their position as crucial partners for emerging and developing economies. They will attempt to do so through initiatives such as the "Compact with Africa" trade initiative launched under Germany’s G20 presidency and the "Just Energy Transition Partnership," which supports climate protection, economic growth, and energy transition.
Global Economic Importance
The G20 was established to enhance economic policy coordination among major economies. However, geopolitical conflicts and gridlocks have overshadowed this purpose in recent years. South Africa aims to use its G20 presidency to reprioritize economic and structural issues.
The G20 comprises members such as France, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and India. The European Union and, since 2023, the African Union are also members. The group now represents approximately 80% of the world’s population and over 85% of global economic output.
