Edward Gresser

The G8 is a good thing. The idea that it is an undemocratic institution is one I don't understand. These are governments of countries, and to say they are undemocratic is like saying there should be no meetings on arms control. The presidents of the world's large and powerful countries should get together and discuss the world's challenges, and it would be alarming if they didn't.

The G8 is a good institution but reflects less and less the realities of the global economy over time. It ought to think about how to reflect realities better in order to be effective and solve international problems. If we look back at 1975, the first meeting, the G8 countries amounted to about 58 percent of the global economy. They are beginning to decline in their share of the global economy, as China and India and other countries increase. These developing countries are extremely important in several areas -- climate change, global finances and trade imbalances. It is less and less possible for the G8 to solve problems if other countries are on the outside.

I think as the G8 discusses policy it also needs to discuss ways to include large developing countries. Other countries are invited to the G8 to present their ideas and concerns but it is not the same as being part of the G8.