U.S. President Donald Trump is contemplating the creation of an exclusive Core-5 (C5) club, featuring the USA, Russia, China, India, and Japan. This could be a bold move to eclipse groups like G7. While G7 caters to wealthy democracies, C5 prioritizes populous, mighty nations, regardless of their government type.
Last week, the White House unveiled a 33-page public version of its National Security Strategy (NSS). However, renowned U.S. magazines like Politico and Defense One report the existence of an extended, unpublished version mentioning C5. This group aims to assemble five countries, each with populations over 100 million.
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Similar to G7 (USA, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, Canada), C5 will host regular summits focused on crucial issues. Prime agenda: Security in the Middle East, particularly normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Trump argues the world is now multipolar — brimming with powerful nations — hence, former groups like G7 no longer suffice. C5 promises easier deal-making between major countries, sans democratic or wealth constraints. Trump earlier stated that excluding Russia from the G8 (former G7) was a mistake, and suggested incorporating China to form G9.
This unpublished NSS version propels the notion of dividing the world into 'spheres of influence,' with each key nation managing its domain.
Source: aajtak
The White House has clearly denied such claims. Press Secretary Hannah Kelly remarked that there is no alternative, private, or secret version to the official 33-page plan. Nonetheless, a former Trump administration official, anonymously, confirmed discussions on C5 or C7 but concurred that old systems like G7 and the UN Security Council are unfit for new players.
National security experts assert this idea is quintessentially Trumpian — non-ideological, favoring strong leaders, and a penchant for dealing with powerful nations.
Torry Tausig (Europe Director in Biden's NSC): Trump views the world through the lens of strong players. Europe's exclusion from C5 could spur thoughts that America views Russia as a notable power within Europe.
Michael Sobolik (Adviser during Trump's first term): In Trump's first term, China was considered part of the 'Great Power Competition.' Establishing C5 would signify a major pivot.
Trump has already permitted China to purchase Nvidia AI chips. Envoys have been dispatched to broker deals with Russia.
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American allies express concern. This move could empower Russia's sway over Europe, potentially weakening Western unity and NATO. European defense officials voiced fears about undermining European cohesion.
Asserting that G7 and G20 are insufficient, C5 is tailored for a multipolar world where population and military-economic clout matter. However, groups like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) already exist — how will C5 stand apart?
For India, this could be promising. Given its large population, India's inclusion in C5 is plausible. This may enhance India's global platform voice, especially on Middle East or Indo-Pacific issues. Balancing tensions with China (border disputes) remains crucial. Considering Trump-Modi camaraderie, India might benefit, but grouping alongside Russia-China could affect the QUAD (USA, India, Japan, Australia).
Currently, C5 is merely a concept, but should it materialize, the global order might witness reformation — a transition from G7 to a strongman club. Trump's 'commercial diplomacy' could potentially eclipse Europe while advocating 'Make Europe Great Again.' Whether this 'Trumpian' dream actualizes remains to be seen, but debates around Washington heat up. Emerging nations like India will find opportunities alongside challenges.
