Trump calls for Australia among an expanded G7, but also Russia, which will cause grief. And not China. https://apnews.com/f2110c825f3a0e91516b0ed85547c886">https://apnews.com/f2110c825...

Intrigued by what such a grouping will actually *do*? So much energy devoted over the years to question of membership or hosting rights for multilateral meetings, but the agenda itself has become stale. Witness G20.

Covid-19 might be an excuse to get rid of the circus-like aspect of summiteering, the bazillions of officials, media, other affiliated talkfests.

But with Trump, it’s hard to imagine he’d be willing to surrender the stage and pageantry involved.

The time of leaders is valuable (or should be) and I’ve been convinced for some time that the diplomatic calendar is too crowded with leadership summits. If Australia backs the G7+, it should be the end for G20, APEC and other zombie meetings. CHOGM!