The G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, became a focal point for global geopolitics as world leaders converged to address pressing international challenges, including trade tensions, environmental crises, and escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The summit, marked by high-stakes discussions and some unexpected diplomatic maneuvers, underscored the complex interplay of geopolitics and trade in today’s global landscape.

The summit began under the shadow of Canadian wildfires, a poignant backdrop that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa used to emphasize the urgent need for enhanced environmental protections. Costa’s call for unity was echoed by von der Leyen who stressed the importance of stability in trade to prevent economic disruptions.

A significant portion of the summit discourse centered on aggressive trade practices and the geopolitical tensions with Iran and Russia. Von der Leyen revealed the EU's proposal for a new set of sanctions against Russia, aiming to intensify pressure amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both European leaders also reiterated the necessity of a diplomatic approach towards Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a stance briefly overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s subsequent military actions against Iranian nuclear sites.

Trump’s appearances at the summit stirred controversy, particularly with his comments on previous G7 decisions and his simplistic endorsement of tariffs, which contrasted sharply with the complex trade discussions held by other leaders. His unexpected early departure, timed just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s arrival, raised eyebrows and added to the summit's tense atmosphere.

In bilateral talks, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Zelenskyy discussed the ongoing Russian aggression, with Canada announcing new sanctions and additional support for Ukraine. The discussions also touched on the importance of global solidarity and the collective action needed against aggressors like Russia.

The summit wasn't just about high-level diplomacy; it also faced criticism for the apparent exclusion of Indigenous issues from the main agenda despite symbolic nods towards Indigenous cultures. The presence of global leaders like India’s Narendra Modi, whom critics accuse of human rights violations, added to the controversies surrounding the summit’s inclusivity and moral stance.

As the summit concluded, leaders presented a unified front on some issues, but the underlying tensions and unresolved global challenges suggested that much work remains. The G7’s ability to effect real change continues to be tested by the complex interdependencies of modern geopolitics and the diverse agendas of its member nations. As the world watched, the leaders at Kananaskis grappled with these issues, leaving a mixed legacy of progress and frustration.