Italy assumes the presidency today as the G7 faces a precarious global moment. Across the Gaza and Ukraine conflicts, the tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the Red Sea, the international order born after the Cold War is being questioned. The world confronts major challenges including terrorism, health crises, and the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Experts say this is a pivotal moment in geopolitics. The leadership handover from Japan to another economy marks a transition for the gathering of the seven richest nations. Italy will need to build a broad consensus that may ultimately expand to include the G20 to address emerging threats.
This task appears monumental, perhaps even daunting, for Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. The country’s presence on the global stage is under close scrutiny as it seeks to showcase its leadership at this major international event.
A very important moment
The discussion at the summit will span multiple flashpoints: the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, relations with the Global South, Africa and migration, and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence with democratic governance. The world leaders’ summit will take place in the Apulia region in southern Italy from 13 to 15 June, in a carefully chosen setting.
Meloni described the gathering as a bridge between East and West and as a means to move beyond a simple West-versus-rest narrative. The summit follows a year marked by instability, including the war in Ukraine, tensions near Taiwan, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the broader conflict involving Hamas and Israel.
In strategic documents from major powers, NATO and the EU highlight threats that threaten the post–Cold War order and the security of states that defend it, according to Gabriele Natalizia, a professor of Security and International Politics at Sapienza University in Rome.
The danger is seen in the actions of Russia and China, yet there is insistence that “revisionist forces” must be met with concerted responses to challenges such as terrorism, pandemics, migrations, AI, and climate change.
Wars
Alberto Vannucci, a professor at the University of Pisa, notes that foreign policy sits at the center of the debate. He ponders one of the biggest questions in the coming months: how will Western support for Kyiv evolve in light of fatigue and new realities in the Middle East?
The decision to advance Ukraine’s EU accession process signals political support for Kyiv, but the practical impact will unfold on the ground. Negotiations at the June summit cannot be ruled out, according to Natalizia.
The costs of the war have been high, and the American presidential election looms as a decisive factor. Vannucci argues that Meloni’s perseverance will influence whether Ukraine remains supported, while a broader strategic stance on the conflict remains unsettled.
In the Middle East, where conflicts span decades, the G7 and EU show more division than in the Ukraine case. There is broad support for Israel in the region, seen as a cornerstone of Western democracy, even as a restrained approach risks allowing extremist elements to gain ground. The overall situation makes reaching a clear consensus especially challenging for Meloni.
Meloni’s leadership
After a little over a year in office, Meloni has emerged as a strong political figure prepared to present a confident Italian image on the world stage. The G7 offers a platform to project a new face of Italian leadership to the world.
Despite political differences, Meloni maintains cordial relations with the United States and Germany and has cultivated productive ties with the EU, according to Natalizia. The Italian presidency will play a pivotal role in shaping the G7’s positions, though internal stability remains a critical risk for any government.
On the domestic front, Meloni is noted for clear communication and rapid decision-making, even in high-pressure situations. Recent publicized personnel changes drew attention, reflecting a leadership style that does not shy away from controversy.
Observers acknowledge Meloni’s ability to manage tension and her willingness to make tough calls, even as questions linger about the depth of the government’s long-term planning. The leadership’s credibility faces scrutiny, but confidence in Meloni’s capacity to navigate the summit remains.