UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II20125 Marks50 Words
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Q20.

What is meant by the G8 + 5 group?

How to Approach

The question requires a concise explanation of the G8+5 group. The approach should involve defining the G8, explaining the context of its evolution, identifying the ‘+5’ countries, and briefly outlining the group’s purpose. The answer should be factual and avoid unnecessary details, staying within the 50-word limit. Focus on clarity and directness.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The G8+5 refers to a forum initiated in 2007 during the Heiligendamm Summit, aiming to broaden dialogue and cooperation on global economic issues. It emerged from a desire to include major emerging economies in discussions previously limited to the G8 industrialized nations, recognizing their growing influence on the world stage.

The G8 originally comprised Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia (suspended in 2014), the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The '+5' Countries

The '+5' represents five major emerging economies invited to participate in the G8’s outreach efforts:

  • Brazil
  • China
  • India
  • Mexico
  • South Africa

Purpose & Evolution

The G8+5 aimed to foster collaboration on issues like climate change, global health, and trade. However, the format proved somewhat unwieldy. The G8 itself evolved into the G7 after Russia’s suspension. The G20, established in 1999 and gaining prominence after the 2008 financial crisis, largely superseded the G8+5 as the primary forum for international economic cooperation.

Conclusion

The G8+5 was a transitional arrangement reflecting the shifting global economic landscape. While it facilitated initial engagement with emerging powers, the G20 ultimately became the more effective and inclusive platform for addressing global economic challenges, rendering the G8+5 largely obsolete.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

G8
The Group of Eight (G8) was an inter-governmental political forum from 1997-2014 comprising the world’s major industrialized democracies.
G20
The Group of Twenty (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It represents around 80% of global GDP and 60% of the world’s population.

Key Statistics

In 2007, the combined GDP of the G8 nations represented approximately 65% of the global GDP. (Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007 - knowledge cutoff)

Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007

As of 2023, the G20 countries collectively account for over 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. (Source: G20 official website - knowledge cutoff)

Source: G20 official website

Examples

Heiligendamm Summit (2007)

The 2007 Heiligendamm Summit in Germany was the first major meeting where the G8 leaders formally engaged with the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa, marking the beginning of the G8+5 process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the G8+5 still active?

No, the G8+5 is no longer actively used as a forum. The G20 has become the primary platform for international economic cooperation, and the G8 itself evolved into the G7 after Russia’s suspension.

Topics Covered

International RelationsEconomyGlobal GovernanceEconomic ForumsInternational Cooperation