The G-20 summit

International summits usually prove to be jamborees which produce discord and little positive action. The G 20 summit in London where the leaders of the world's most important and powerful nations met was an exception. In the context of the gloomy global economic scenario with evident political repercussions, it had considerable significance. In spite of some differences among member countries, it displayed a desire to cooperate and may usher in an era of change. The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown steered the discussions. But the commanding presence was that of the new US President, Barack Obama who was a contrast to his predecessor, George Bush known for his bullying tactics. The deliberations assumed great significance because every country is in the grip of economic slowdown and mounting unemployment. The summit began with low expectations but resulted in a plan of joint action.

There are other burning issues on the agenda. First, there was the dialogue between the US and Russia on cutting down nuclear weapons stock files. The agreement at the United Nations on combating climate change was another topic for discussion. The healthy aspect was the commitment to collective action. There were of course differences. Germany is sceptical about defence expenditure being a growth driver. Obama has had to step it up to beef up the US presence in Afghanistan. Terrorism is another factor in a number of countries. Its actual occurrence and the need for protection against it involve heavy expenditure which thwarts the efforts towards a recovery from the global meltdown which originated in the US. All eyes at the summit were set on the US President's new economic dispensation. THE SHILLONG TIMES