The failure of many observers to recognize the varied scale of the G20’s efforts — from macroeconomic rebalancing to ratification of the main anticorruption treaty — has made it harder for the G20 to gain credit for the valuable role it can play. Recent commentary over the G20 cries out for a clearer understanding of how the body functions and what it has to offer.
David Shorr is a program officer at the Stanley Foundation, career-long foreign policy specialist and respected commentator on international affairs.