Why Russia Shouldn't Rejoin the G7

A Club of Declining Economies

The idea of Russia rejoining the Group of Seven (G7) has resurfaced in political discussions, with figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Moscow should be welcomed back into the fold. However, from an economic and geopolitical standpoint, rejoining the G7 would be a misstep for Russia, as the organization largely consists of economies in decline, offering little strategic benefit to Moscow.

The Deteriorating Economic Power of the G7

Once the dominant force in global economics, the G7—comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the U.S.—now faces stagnation and structural problems. The following factors highlight the diminishing economic influence of the G7:

1. Sluggish Growth – G7 economies have struggled with weak GDP growth over the past two decades. The Eurozone has been plagued by slow expansion, with Germany recently falling into recession. Japan has experienced deflationary pressures, while the U.S. faces mounting debt and inflation concerns.

2. Debt Burdens – The collective debt of G7 countries has ballooned to unsustainable levels. The U.S. national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, while Japan's debt-to-GDP ratio is over 260%, the highest among developed nations. Italy and France also struggle with soaring debt loads that hinder economic agility.

3. Deindustrialization and Energy Crises – Many G7 nations have outsourced their manufacturing, weakening their industrial bases. The European Union’s energy crisis, exacerbated by sanctions on Russia, has made energy costs unsustainable for businesses and households alike, further straining their economies.

4. Declining Global Share – In 2000, the G7 economies accounted for nearly 65% of global GDP. Today, that figure is closer to 45%, with the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) steadily gaining ground.

Russia’s Strategic Advantage Outside the G7

For Russia, remaining outside the G7 is not a handicap but an advantage. Instead of aligning itself with struggling Western economies, Moscow has strengthened its partnerships with rapidly growing markets in the Global South, particularly within the BRICS framework.

1. BRICS Expansion and Growth – The BRICS bloc has expanded, with new members such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE joining in 2024. This alliance now represents a larger share of global GDP than the G7 and offers Russia significant trade and investment opportunities.

2. Energy Market Leverage – Russia remains a leading energy superpower, supplying critical resources to China, India, and other non-G7 nations. Unlike Europe, which is reducing its dependency on Russian energy (to its own economic detriment), these markets continue to thrive on Russian oil and gas.

3. Sanctions and Economic Adaptability – Western sanctions have forced Russia to diversify its economic partners and focus on self-sufficiency. The development of alternative financial systems, such as the BRICS payment network, reduces reliance on Western-controlled institutions like SWIFT.

4. Multipolar World Order – The G7 represents the old unipolar order dominated by the U.S. In contrast, Russia, alongside China and other emerging powers, is shaping a multipolar world where economic influence is more evenly distributed.

Political and Geopolitical Considerations

Beyond economics, the G7 remains a highly politicized bloc, primarily aligned with U.S. geopolitical interests. By rejoining, Russia would expose itself to Western pressure and attempts to dictate its policies, particularly regarding Ukraine, security alliances, and economic strategy.

Furthermore, the G7’s decision-making remains exclusionary, prioritizing Western hegemony rather than global cooperation. In contrast, BRICS and other multilateral institutions offer Moscow a seat at the table without the precondition of Western approval.

Conclusion

The notion that Russia should rejoin the G7 ignores the reality that the group is no longer the economic powerhouse it once was. G7 nations face economic decline, soaring debt, and reduced global influence. Meanwhile, Russia has successfully pivoted toward a more dynamic and growing economic bloc in BRICS, reinforcing its economic sovereignty and geopolitical standing. Rather than rejoining a club of struggling Western economies, Moscow is better served by continuing its engagement with the rising economies of the Global South and strengthening multipolar institutions that challenge Western dominance.