TOKYO - The Group of Seven showed a measure of unity at their latest summit in France, welcoming an agreement between the United States and Iran to sign a memorandum on ending their conflict.
Yet looking back at the events leading up to the gathering, the G7's raison d'etre remains in question. Members failed to present a united stance in dealing with the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran as well as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. President Donald Trump remaining a disruptive factor.
The fact that U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks were held not through European but through Pakistani mediation symbolizes the difficulties that G7 is facing.
Despite doubts about the G7's crisis response, there is still much value in advanced democracies continuing dialogue in an era of deepening division and inequality. Multilateral institutions are easy to break, but very hard to build. Precisely because the times are turbulent, the G7 forum should be firmly maintained.
Although there was no leaders' communique for the second time in a row, the leaders managed to release a joint statement on Iran and Ukraine, signaling that the G7 is eager to showcase unity and coordination if there is room for cooperation.
At this summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sought to serve as a bridge between the United States and Europe. With leaders of European countries such as France, Britain and Germany seeing an emotional rift deepening with the United States while facing political instability at home or expecting elections, Takaichi was the only leader who has both a relatively stable political base and an amicable relationship with Trump.
Because the atmosphere during the meeting proved more cooperative than expected, Takaichi had less chance to stand out than expected. But Japan's position within the G7 is unchanged: it is expected to demonstrate leadership as a core member among the world's "middle powers."
Looking forward, ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will become a major challenge. As long as Japan continues to depend on the Middle East for much of its crude oil, it is in its national interest to present concrete contributions early and commit to them.
Japan should study what contributions it can make based on its laws, including the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces, and work to ensure free trade in oil and a stable market, as shown by the energy security principles the prime minister laid out at the summit.
At the same time, Japan needs to reduce excessive dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Securing an overland route via Central Asian countries having friendly relationships with Japan would serve as preparation for risks to come.
The front line of international politics, including the security field, is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific. Japan needs to work with South Korea, Australia and others to develop regional frameworks.
The world faces a mountain of difficult problems. With a very uncertain future, the advanced middle powers have little choice but to placate and manage the United States while maintaining the appearance of the international order as best they can by themselves.
Prime Minister Takaichi faces a test in this rough weather on how much she can contribute to the stability of the Indo-Pacific and further more, the international community.
Yoko Iwama, born in Kobe in 1964, is a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. She holds a PhD in law from Kyoto University and specializes in international politics and security. Her books include "The 1968 Global Nuclear Order and West Germany."
