Subsequent summits have tried to tackle one or two political issues at a time. This theme has been consistent since Halifax. All of these efforts stressed transparency, information exchange and accountability. The G-8 develops concrete action plans without a cumbersome bureaucracy, but the group needs to show that its initiatives are not spinning into oblivion, leaving behind only lengthy communiques. Forge connections among global issues.
Most nations have cabinet meetings to address such policy linkages.
The G-8 is the closest thing the world has in this regard. It needs to step up to the plate and work these issues out. Build legitimacy through openness. G-8 leaders should have learned two lessons from the failed World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. First, managing globalization cannot be done behind closed doors.