Description - The Role of the G8 in International Peace and Security by Risto Penttilä
This text presents a concise yet comprehensive analysis of the role of the G8 in international peace and security. It argues that the G8 is well placed to play an increasingly important role in international peace and security. It has a long tradition of dealing with issues of international security threats; its members have formidable economic, political and military resources at their disposal; it is controlled by heads of state and government giving it greater executive agility and legitimacy; its members share a basic commonality of purpose; and its mandate is not restricted to economic questions (like that of the IMF) or military questions (like that of NATO) - it can address any issue that its members deem important. The G8 is, however, not without its weaknesses in the field of international peace and security. As an informal group it has no crisis management capabilities, nor any long-term policy-making capabilities. It suffers from a lack of institutional memory and the absence of a formal consultative structure. In questions of war and peace, the G8 is a noteworthy second best option.
It does not command the legitimacy of the UN Security Council but it is has wider acceptance than unilateral action. The group has played a significant role in integrating first Japan and later Russia into the realm of Western security policy decision-making. It is argued that China should be admitted into the G8. It is also argued that it would make sense for the EU to have only one seat in the G8 - even if this does not appear realistic in today's conditions. The G8 is best understood as a concert of great powers. It bears great resemblance to the 19th century Concert of Europe. Whether it will assume a similar role in the 21st century depends on whether the United States welcomes such a role for the group.
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