Once upon a time, the heads of the world's seven leading industrial powers got together to discuss economics and ways to ensure growth. That focus made sense because there were other forums to talk about politics, and economic coordination was much lacking. Sadly, that time is long gone. Instead, the annual G8 meeting — the number itself a concession to politics since the addition of Russia reflects political, not economic, concerns — is now more a photo opportunity and a chance to opine on international issues. Apparently, these individuals cannot leave these concerns to their U.N. representatives.
This year's meeting in Evian, France, had another political purpose: to show that the United States was not permanently estranged from half of its G8 partners: France, Germany, Canada and Russia, all of whom failed to support the military campaign against Iraq. A show of unity would demonstrate that the world's leading powers were ready to refocus on the critical tasks ahead — the most important of which is jump-starting the sputtering global economy and putting it on track for long-term growth.
There was civility and maturity; after all, these men are politicians. All the leaders, and especially U.S. President George Bush and his French host, Mr. Jacques Chirac, made all the right noises about putting the past behind them and getting back down to business. But the body language and Mr. Bush's early departure (to push peacemaking in the Middle East) signaled that not all was yet forgiven.