It is always interesting at photograph as one can often pinpoint to certain expressions that reveal some tension or affinity. This is what is commonly known as body language.
In the case of group photos, there always a rush to position oneself in a place in the photo that will enhances either one’s physique or one’s relative power vis a vis some other participants. Or one seeks to be close to certain other person to be seen as to be associated with either in terms of influence or friendship.
The G20 Group photograph because of the large number it groups was particularly interesting as it showed the relative affinities and group power.
For clarity’s sake we have reproduced the first and second ranks where actual leaders were represented in the photograph (not the guests)
Of course Abe as Prime Minister of the organising country was in the center of the photograph.
Trump has to settle with lesser strong men Mohamed bin Salman and Erdogan. What a funny choice in view of the Kashoggi affair. Well, beggars cannot be choosers.
Funnily enough, in the 1st of July FT, The US was trying to find allies in the shape of Brazil, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Well Bolsonaro is not far away, only a split from Erdogan by Macron, that did not have a successfull environmental support thanks to the US obstinate position.
On the right of Abe, interestingly Xi Ji Ping is surrounded with Putin and Moon Jae-in, the South Korea President important as nations close to China.
Merkel herself has been pushed out at the other end of the front row, edged by the South African President. She is probably on her way out. So is Mrs May who has been relegated to the second row close to the commonwealth representatives of, Australia, India and Canada. The row is completed by Junker and Tusk of the EU and Conte of Italy. Except for Modi they are unlikely to be back to the next G20. I almost forgot Argentina rising high on the third row.
Contrast this with the 2018 G20: MBS was in the second row while Macron and May were close to Trump while Putin and XI were not so close
A lot has changed in a year. China has been branded in the US, by both Republicans and Democrats as a dangerous competitor, almost an enemy in certain sectors. Iran the pariah in the eyes of the Eagle has been isolated beyond the will of all the partners of the nuclear deal signed under Obama. The environmental goals are slowly being pushed away as the economies are pulled down by the economic wars. Only North Korea basks in renewed respect. Thank you, President Trump!
Digenis