A decade of G20 summitry: Assessing the benefits, limitations and future of global club governance in turbulent times

Abstract

In 2008 the G20 met for the first time at the level of heads of state and government in the midst of the global financial crisis. In the following year the G20 coordinated collective actions that helped to contain the worst effects of the financial crisis. A decade later, the G20 is dealing with an underlying systemic crisis fuelled by challenges to rules-based international cooperation from major countries as well as criticism regarding its effectiveness and legitimacy. This article introduces a special issue that focuses on the institutional evolution and reform of the G20, its effectiveness in dealing with global challenges and the specific role of rising powers in this club governance structure. The contribution of this special issue lies in its emphasis on institutional perspectives and its discussion of the social purpose of club governance after more than ten years of G20 summitry.