Editing G8 (section)

== History ==
{{Main|Group of Seven#History}}

Following [[20th G7 summit|1994's G7 summit in Naples]], Russian officials held separate meetings with leaders of the G7 after the group's summits. This informal arrangement was dubbed the Political 8 (P8)—or, colloquially, the G7+1. At the invitation of UK Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]] and U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]],<ref>Medish, Mark (24 February 2006). [http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=5151 "Russia{{snd}}Odd Man Out in the G-8", ''The Globalist''.] Retrieved 7 December 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305052221/http://www.theglobalist.com/storyid.aspx?StoryId=5151 |date=5 March 2008 }}</ref> President [[Boris Yeltsin]] was invited first as a guest observer, later as a full participant. It was seen as a way to encourage Yeltsin with his capitalist reforms. Russia formally joined the group in 1998, resulting in the Group of Eight, or G8.

=== Focus of G8 ===
After the [[2008 financial crisis]], the [[G20]] replaced the G8 as the world's main international economic council.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/09/24/us.g.twenty.summit/index.html |title=Officials: G-20 to supplant G-8 as international economic council |publisher=CNN |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1099172/G20-to-replace-the-G8 |title=G20 to replace the G8 |publisher=SBS |date=26 September 2009 |access-date=26 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090927054722/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1099172/G20-to-replace-the-G8 |archive-date=27 September 2009}}</ref> Nevertheless, the G8 retained its relevance as a "steering group for the [[Western world |West]]",<ref name="cfr">{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/global-governance/group-eight-g8-industrialized-nations/p10647 |title=The Group of Eight (G8) Industrialized Nations |publisher=CFR |access-date=21 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115103825/http://www.cfr.org/global-governance/group-eight-g8-industrialized-nations/p10647 |archive-date=15 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> with special significance appointed to Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2011/02/12/japan-and-the-g20-ambivalence-and-the-china-factor/ |title=Japan and the G20: Ambivalence and the China factor |date=11 February 2011}}</ref> The [[40th G7 summit |40th summit]] was the first time the European Union was able to host and chair a summit.<ref name="EU info">Until recently, the EU had the ''privileges and obligations'' of a membership that did not host or chair summits. It was represented by the Commission and Council presidents. {{cite web |url=http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/union/showpage_en_union.external.g8.php |title=EU and the G8 |access-date=25 September 2007 |publisher=[[European Commission]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070226165606/http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/union/showpage_en_union.external.g8.php |archive-date=26 February 2007 }}</ref>

A major focus of the G8 since 2009 has been the global [[food security|supply of food]].<ref name="Reuters 5May">{{cite news |title=Cash-strapped G8 looks to private sector in hunger fight |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/g8-food-idUSL1E8GHE3520120518 |access-date=18 May 2012 |newspaper=[[Reuters]] |date=18 May 2012}}</ref> At the 2009 [[L'Aquila]] summit, the G8's members promised to contribute $22 billion to the issue. By 2015, 93% of funds had been disbursed to projects like sustainable agriculture development and adequate emergency food aid assistance.<ref name="The Chicago Council on Global Affairs 15Mar">{{cite news |last=DoCampo |first=Isabel |title=A Food-Secure Future: G7 and G20 Action on Agriculture and Food |url=https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/blog/global-food-thought/food-secure-future-g7-and-g20-action-agriculture-and-food |access-date=16 April 2018 |newspaper=The Chicago Council on Global Affairs |date=15 March 2017 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124062251/https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/blog/global-food-thought/food-secure-future-g7-and-g20-action-agriculture-and-food |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://iif.un.org/content/laquila-food-security-initiative |title=L'Aquila Food Security Initiative {{!}} Tracking Support for the MDGS |website=iif.un.org |access-date=6 February 2019 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124124325/https://iif.un.org/content/laquila-food-security-initiative |url-status=dead}}</ref>

At the 2012 summit, [[President Barack Obama]] asked G8 leaders to adopt the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition initiative to {{qi|help the rural poor produce more food and sell it in thriving local and regional markets as well [[Globalization|as on the global market]]}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tandon |first=Shaun |title=Obama turns to private sector to feed world's poor |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jUyBu2GrB9ESl2EeXWyJQWwR0f-g?docId=CNG.3fbd5b32739e3209c58578b8a8480023.521 |access-date=18 May 2012 |newspaper=Agence France-Presse |date=18 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130131045725/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jUyBu2GrB9ESl2EeXWyJQWwR0f-g?docId=CNG.3fbd5b32739e3209c58578b8a8480023.521 |archive-date=31 January 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Patrick |first=Stewart M. |title=Why This Year's G8 Summit Matters |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/05/why-this-years-g8-summit-matters/257249/ |access-date=18 May 2012 |newspaper=The Atlantic |date=16 May 2012}}</ref> [[Ghana]] became one of the first six African countries to sign up to the G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=G8 Cooperation framework to support The "New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition" in Ghana |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/208055/new-alliance-progress-report-coop-framework-ghana.pdf |publisher=Group of Eight Camp David}}</ref> There was, however, almost no knowledge of the G8 initiative among some [[Stakeholder analysis|stakeholders]], including farmers, academics and agricultural campaign groups. Confusion surrounding the plans was made worse, critics say, by "a dizzying array of regional and national agriculture programmes that are inaccessible to ordinary people".<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 February 2014 |title=Ghana hopes G8 New Alliance will end long history of food insecurity |url=http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/feb/18/ghana-g8-new-alliance-food-insecurity |access-date=26 June 2020 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

=== Russia's participation suspension (2014) ===
On 24 March 2014, the G7 members cancelled the planned [[40th G7 summit|G8 summit]] that was to be held in June of that year in the Russian city of Sochi, and suspended Russia's membership of the group, due to [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russia's annexation of Crimea]]; nevertheless, they stopped short of outright permanent expulsion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukraine crisis: Russia scathing about G8 suspension as fears grow |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-g-7-leaders-cancel-g-8-summit-in-sochi-until-russia-changes-course-9213000.html |date=25 March 2014 |newspaper=The Independent}}</ref> Russian foreign minister [[Sergei Lavrov]] downplayed the importance of the decision by the U.S. and its allies, and pointed out that major international decisions were made by the [[G20]] countries.<ref name="Insider">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-temporarily-kicked-out-of-g8-club-of-rich-countries-2014-3 |title=Russia Temporarily Kicked Out Of G8 Club Of Rich Countries |website=Business Insider |date=24 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="CNN.com" />

Later on, the Italian Foreign Affairs minister [[Federica Mogherini]] and other Italian authorities,<ref name="TASS">{{cite web |date=8 June 2014 |title=Italy hopes G7 returns to G8 format – Foreign Ministry |url=http://tass.com/world/735279 |publisher=[[ITAR-TASS]]}}</ref><ref name="ANSA">{{cite web |date=3 July 2014 |title=Italy working for Russia return to G8 |url=http://www.ansa.it/english/news/politics/2014/07/03/italy-working-for-russia-return-to-g8_dd003e4e-484e-4b43-9b12-34cd8eb85036.html |publisher=[[Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata |ANSA]]}}</ref> along with the [[EastWest Institute]] board member [[Wolfgang Ischinger]],<ref name="Ischinger">{{Cite web |title=Amb. Wolfgang Ischinger Urges Inclusion of Russia in G8 {{!}} EastWest Institute |url=http://www.ewi.info/idea/amb-wolfgang-ischinger-urges-inclusion-russia-g8 |access-date=2 March 2017 |website=www.ewi.info |language=en |archive-date=8 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708142631/http://www.ewi.info/idea/amb-wolfgang-ischinger-urges-inclusion-russia-g8 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> suggested that Russia may restore its membership in the group. In April 2015, the German foreign minister [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]] said that Russia would be welcomed to return to G8 provided the [[Minsk Protocol]] were implemented.<ref name="Steinmeier">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-g7-steinmeier-idUSKBN0N61PT20150415 "Russian return to G8 depends on Ukraine ceasefire-German minister".] Reuters, 15 April 2015.</ref> In 2016, he added that "none of the major international conflicts can be solved without Russia", and the G7 countries will consider Russia's return to the group in 2017. The same year, Japanese Prime Minister [[Shinzō Abe]] called for Russia's return to G8, stating that Russia's involvement is "crucial to tackling multiple crises in the Middle East".<ref name="Abe">{{cite news |title=Japan's Abe calls for Putin to be brought in from the cold |url=https://next.ft.com/content/988d04c2-bcd3-11e5-846f-79b0e3d20eaf |website=Financial Times |date=17 January 2016 }}</ref> In January 2017, the Italian foreign minister [[Angelino Alfano]] said that Italy hopes for "resuming the G8 format with Russia and ending the atmosphere of the Cold War".<ref name="Alfano">{{cite news |title=Italian Minister 'Hopes' For Russia's Return To G8 |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/italian-minister-hopes-russia-returns-group-of-eight-world-powers-l/28227132.html |newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=12 January 2017 }}</ref> 

On 13 January 2017, Russia announced that it would permanently leave the G8 grouping.<ref name="cfr" /><ref name="russia-suspension">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/russia-g8-kremlin-crimea-ukraine-vladimir-putin-g7-g20-a7525836.html |title=Russia just quit the G8 for good |website=[[Independent.co.uk]] |date=13 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="CNN.com">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/24/politics/obama-europe-trip/index.html |title=U.S., other powers kick Russia out of G8 |publisher=CNN.com |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Russia Is Ousted From Group of 8 by U.S. and Allies |url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/world/europe/obama-russia-crimea.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=21 December 2015 |issn=0362-4331 |first1=Alison |last1=Smale |first2=Michael D. |last2=Shear}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/03/24/there-is-no-g8-russia-suspended-from-exclusive-club-until-it-changes-course-group-of-seven-nations-says/ |title=Russia suspended from G8 over annexation of Crimea, Group of Seven nations says |work=National Post |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=21 December 2015}}</ref> In January 2017, Russia announced its permanent withdrawal from the G8.<ref name="russia-suspension"/> However, several representatives of G7 countries stated that they would be interested in Russia's return to the group.<ref name="Lindner">{{cite news |date=12 October 2017 |title=FDP's push to invite Putin to G7 sows discord within possible German coalition |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-russia-fdp/fdps-push-to-invite-putin-to-g7-sows-discord-within-possible-german-coalition-idUSKBN1CH2YY }}</ref><ref name="Bundestag">{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.com/de/g7-beraten-über-syrien-und-die-ukraine/a-43485601 |title=G7 beraten über Syrien und die Ukraine |language=de |website=Deutsche Welle}}</ref><ref name="Trump">{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/1eb15940-6b19-11e8-b6eb-4acfcfb08c11 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/1eb15940-6b19-11e8-b6eb-4acfcfb08c11 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Trump calls for Russia to be invited to G8 |website=Financial Times |date=8 June 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/russia-g8-kremlin-crimea-ukraine-vladimir-putin-g7-g20-a7525836.html |title=Russia announces plan to permanently leave G8 group of industrialised nations after suspension for Crimea annexation |author=Tom Batchelor |date=13 January 2017 |newspaper=Independent}}</ref> [[Christian Lindner]], the leader of [[Free Democratic Party of Germany]] and member of the [[Bundestag]], said that Putin should be "asked to join the table of the G7" so that one could "talk with him and not about him", and "we cannot make all things dependent on the situation in Crimea".<ref name="Lindner"/> In April 2018, the German politicians and members of the [[Bundestag]] [[Sahra Wagenknecht]] and [[Alexander Graf Lambsdorff]] said that Russia should be invited back to the group and attend the [[44th G7 summit|2018 summit in Canada]]: "Russia should again be at the table during the [June] summit at the latest" because "peace in Europe and also in the Middle East is only possible with Russia".<ref name="Bundestag"/><ref name="Wagenknecht">{{cite web |title=Wir brauchen auch Russland, um Probleme zu lösen |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/fraktionsvorsitzende-sahra-wagenknecht-linke-wir-brauchen.868.de.html?dram:article_id=419467 |website=Deutschlandfunk |date=3 June 2018 |language=de}}</ref> The US President [[Donald Trump]] also stated that Russia should be reinstated to the group; his appeal was supported by the Italian Prime Minister [[Giuseppe Conte]].<ref name="Trump"/> After several G7 members quickly rejected US President Trump's suggestion to again accept the Russian Federation into the G8, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that the Russian Federation wasn't interested in rejoining the political forum. He also said that the G20 is sufficient for the Russian Federation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/russia-brushes-off-possibility-of-g-8-return |title=Russia brushes off possibility of G-8 return |last=hermesauto |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=9 June 2018}}</ref> In the final statement of the 2018 meeting in Canada, the G7 members announced to continue sanctions and also to be ready to take further restrictive measures against the Russian Federation for the failure of Minsk Agreement complete implementation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-g7-summit-communique-text/the-charlevoix-g7-summit-communique-idUSKCN1J5107 |title=The Charlevoix G7 Summit Communique |first=Reuters |last=Editorial |newspaper=Reuters |date=9 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/world/1008994 |title=G7 leaders ready to step up anti-Russian sanctions |website=TASS}}</ref>

=== A "new G8" ===
On 11 June 2022, [[Vyacheslav Volodin]], the current [[Chairman of the State Duma]], announced on [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] that "countries wishing to build an equal dialogue and mutually beneficial relations would actually form, together with Russia, a 'new G8{{'"}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaya |first=Lynn |title=Russia to form 'new G8' with Iran and China |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/world/russia-to-form-new-g8-with-iran-and-china |website=NationalPost.com}}</ref> Although Volodin mentioned the group of eight countries not participating in the sanctions against the Russian Federation—China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Iran, and Turkey—there have been no updates regarding the new G8; however, five of the seven nations listed are already a part of [[BRICS]].