G4 nations
{{Short description|Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan in the UN}}
{{See also|G4 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox international organization
| name = G4
| native name = {{unbulleted list | {{native name|pt|Grupo dos Quatro}} | {{native name|de|Gruppe der Vier}} | {{native name|hi| ४ राष्ट्रों का समूह}} | {{native name|ja|G4諸国}}
}}
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| map = File:G4 Nations.svg
| map_caption = Map of G4 countries
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| formation = 2005
| extinction =
| type = Political cooperative alliance
| status =
| purpose = Reform of the UNSC
| location =
| membership = {{BRA}}
{{GER}}
{{IND}}
{{JAP}}
| leader_title = Leaders
| leader_name = {{unbulleted list|Lula da Silva|Olaf Scholz|Narendra Modi|Shigeru Ishiba}}
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The G4 nations, comprising Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan, are four countries which support each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. Unlike the G7, where the common denominator is the economy and long-term political motives, the G4's primary aim is the permanent member seats on the Security Council. Each of these four countries have figured among the elected non-permanent members of the council since the UN's establishment. Their economic, political and military influence has grown significantly in the last decades, reaching a scope comparable to the permanent members (P5). However, the G4's bids are often opposed by the Uniting for Consensus movement, and particularly their economic competitors or political rivals.{{cite web| url=http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/200/41231.html| title=Japan Says No to G4 Bid| publisher=Globalpolicy.org| date=2006-01-07| access-date=2011-05-30| archive-date=5 March 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305191017/https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/200/41231.html| url-status=live}}
Background
The UN currently has five permanent members with veto power in the Security Council: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – comprising the victors of World War II. The G4 nations are regularly elected to two-year terms on the Security Council as non-permanent members by their respective regional groups: in the 24-year period from 1987 to 2010, Brazil and Japan were elected for five terms each, Germany for four terms (one term as West Germany and three terms as unified Germany) and India for eight terms.{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/sc/members.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706231352/http://www.un.org/sc/members.asp|url-status=dead|title=Membership of the Security Council|archivedate=6 July 2010}} Cumulatively, the G4 has spent 64 years on the Security Council since the UN's inception, with each country serving at least a decade.List of members of the United Nations Security Council
{{clear}}
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%"
! colspan="14" | Comparison of G4 and P5 nations |
width=130|Country data
! {{flagicon|Brazil}} ! {{flagicon|China}} ! {{flagicon|France}} ! {{flagicon|Germany}} ! {{flagicon|India}} ! {{flagicon|Japan}} ! {{flagicon|Russia}} ! {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} ! {{flagicon|United States}} |
---|
align=left| G4 nation or P5 nation |G4 |P5 |P5 |G4 |G4 |G4 |P5 |P5 |P5 |
align=left|Region
|Latin America and |Asia-Pacific |Western |Western |Asia-Pacific |Asia-Pacific |Eastern |Western |Western Europe and Others (observer) |
align=left|Population
|2.7% |17.9% |0.9% |1.1% |17.9% |1.6% |1.9% |0.9% |4.2% |
align=left|Territory
|8 515 767 km2 |9 596 961 km2 |640 679 km2 |357 114 km2 |3 287 263 km2 |377 973 km2 |17 098 246 km2 |242 495 km2 |9 833 517 km2 |
align=left|GDP (nominal) (US$trillion)
|$2.33 |$18.53 |$3.13 |$4.59 |$3.93 |$4.11 |$2.05 |$3.59 |$28.78 |
align=left|GDP (PPP) (US$trillion)
|$4.27 |$35.29 |$3.98 |$5.68 |$14.59 |$6.72 |$5.47 |$4.02 |$28.78 |
align=left|UN funding1
|2.95% |12.01% |4.43% |6.09% |0.83% |8.56% |2.41% |4.57% |22.00% |
align=left|UN peacekeeping funding2
|0.59% |15.22% |5.61% |6.09% |0.17% |8.56% |3.04% |5.79% |27.89% |
align=left|UN peacekeepers
|282 |2,531 |706 |504 |5,353 |6 |70 |279 |33 |
align=left|Defence budget (US$billion)
|$20.0 |$292.0 |$53.0 |$55.8 |$81.4 |$46.0 |$86.4 |$68.5 |$887.0 |
align=left|Military (active)
|366,500 |2,185,000 |208,750 |183,500 |1,455,550 |247,150 |1,320,000 |148,500 |1,328,000 |
align=left|Military (reserve)
|1,340,000 |1,170,000 |141,050 |50,050 |1,155,000 |56,000 |2,000,000 |80,000 |744,950 |
align=left|Paramilitary (active)
|395,000 |660,000 |30,800 |0 |2,526,950 |14,350 |554,000 |0 |0 |
align=left|Military (total)
|2,101,500 |4,015,000 |380,600 |233,550 |5,137,500 |317,500 |3,874,000 |275,053 |2,072,950 |
align=left|Active space program
|{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |
align=left|Helicopter carriers projects
|{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |
align=left|Aircraft carriers projects
|{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |
align=left|Nuclear submarines projects
|{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{N}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |{{Y}} |
align=left|Active nuclear arsenal
|{{N}} |350 3rd |290 4th |{{N}}3 |160 7th |{{N}} |5,977 1st |225 5th |5,428 2nd |
colspan="13" style=font-size:85% | 1share of annual UN budget 2share of funding for UN peacekeeping 3Germany takes part in NATO nuclear weapons sharing agreement |
{{clear}}
Opinions
=Support=
The United Kingdom and France have backed the G4's bid for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.{{cite web|url=http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page15144|title=Joint UK-France Summit Declaration|date=27 March 2008|publisher=British Prime Minister’s |access-date=15 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909001137/http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page15144|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 September 2008}} Japan has received support from the United States[http://www.chinadaily.com.cn//doc/2005-04/18/content_435251.htm US backs Japan's UNSC bid despite setback to momentum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130234032/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn//doc/2005-04/18/content_435251.htm |date=30 January 2021 }}, People's Daily, 19 April 2005 and the United Kingdom.[http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm UK backs Japan for UNSC bid] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221044357/http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070111/1101194.htm |date=21 February 2007 }}, Central Chronicle, 11 January 2007
All the permanent members of P5 have supported India's bids for permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), but China has previously implied that it is only ready to support India's bid for a permanent seat on United Nations Security Council if India does not associate its bid with Japan.{{Cite web|url = https://thediplomat.com/2015/02/china-should-back-india-for-a-permanent-un-security-council-seat/|title = China Should Back India for a Permanent UN Security Council Seat|access-date = 12 February 2021|archive-date = 8 November 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108133158/https://thediplomat.com/2015/02/china-should-back-india-for-a-permanent-un-security-council-seat/|url-status = live}}[http://in.chineseembassy.org/eng/ssygd/zygx/t191495.htm China supports India's bid for UNSC seat: Wen] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212310/http://in.chineseembassy.org/eng/ssygd/zygx/t191495.htm |date=11 November 2020 }}.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2233806.ece |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |first=Ananth |last=Krishnan |title=China ready to support Indian bid for UNSC |date=16 July 2011 |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113184845/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2233806.ece |url-status=live }}[http://www.centerforunreform.org/node/386 "Countries Welcome Work Plan as Security Council Reform Process Commences New Phase"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927134550/http://www.centerforunreform.org/node/386 |date=27 September 2015 }}. Center for UN Reform Education.
The United States has sent strong indications to Brazil that it is willing to support its membership, albeit without a veto.[https://www.foxnews.com/story/powell-brazil-not-developing-nukes "Powell: Brazil Not Developing Nukes"] News Channel. Retrieved 28 June 2009. The Council on Foreign Relations recommended that the U.S. government fully endorse the inclusion of Brazil as a permanent member of the Security Council.{{cite web|url=http://www.cfr.org/brazil/global-brazil-us-brazil-relations/p25407|title=Global Brazil and U.S.-Brazil Relations|access-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908084417/http://www.cfr.org/brazil/global-brazil-us-brazil-relations/p25407|archive-date=8 September 2012|url-status=dead}} Brazil has received backing from three of the current permanent members, namely France,[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/index.html "France and Brazil"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110062022/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/brazil_444/index.html |date=10 January 2008 }}, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France. Retrieved 28 June 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page15144|title=Joint UK-France Summit Declaration|date=27 March 2008|publisher=British Prime Minister's |access-date=15 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080909001137/http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page15144|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 September 2008}} Russia,[http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/832/41/ "Putin in Brazil"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090724180420/http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/832/41/ |date=24 July 2009 }}, Brazzil. Retrieved 28 June 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3994885 |title=Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to questions at a plenary session of the Raisina Dialogue international conference, New Delhi, January 15, 2020 |access-date=17 January 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510231833/https://www.mid.ru/en/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3994885 |url-status=live }} and the United Kingdom.[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100511105408/http://number10.gov.uk/news/latest-news/2009/03/uk-backs-brazil-as-permanent-security-council-member-18798 "UK backs Brazil as permanent Security Council member"], 10 Downing ., 27 March 2009. Retrieved 28 June 2009.
In the final document of the 2019 BRICS summit, China and Russia say they "reiterate the importance of a comprehensive Security Council reform" and "support Brazil and India's aspiration for more relevant UN roles".{{cite news |url=https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2019/11/14/brics-divulgam-declaracao-de-brasilia-documento-final-da-cupula-do-grupo-leia-a-integra.ghtml |website=G1 |title=BRICS divulga "Declaração de Brasília" |date=14 November 2019 |access-date=14 November 2019 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218163350/https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2019/11/14/brics-divulgam-declaracao-de-brasilia-documento-final-da-cupula-do-grupo-leia-a-integra.ghtml |url-status=live }}
As stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in January 2020: "I would say the Security Council's main shortcoming is the under-representation of developing countries. We reiterate our position that India and Brazil absolutely deserve to be on the council together with an African candidate, our position is that the purpose of the reform is to make sure that the developing countries enjoy a better treatment in the central organ of the United Nations".
=Opposition=
There has been discontent among the present permanent members regarding the inclusion of controversial nations or countries not supported by them. For instance, Japan's bid is opposed by China,{{Cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/allying-with-japan-at-security-council-is-indias-biggest-mistake-chinese-media-1219912 |title=Allying with Japan at Security Council is India's 'Biggest Mistake': Chinese Media |access-date=12 April 2016 |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024154903/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/allying-with-japan-at-security-council-is-indias-biggest-mistake-chinese-media-1219912 |url-status=live }} Russia, North Korea and South Korea.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
Under the leadership of Spain{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} and Italy,"[http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/reform/cluster1/2005/0603models.htm Players and Proposals in the Security Council Debate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115065908/https://www.globalpolicy.org/security/reform/cluster1/2005/0603models.htm |date=15 January 2022 }}", Global Policy Forum, 3 July 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2006. countries that strongly oppose the G4 countries' bids have formed the Uniting for Consensus movement, or the Coffee Club, composed mainly of regional powers that oppose the rise of some nearby country to permanent member status. Uniting for Consensus supports expanding the number of non-permanent security council members and restricting the usage of the veto. The bloc argues that adding more permanent seats to the security council only benefits the nations that gain those seats, and believes that an expansion of the non-permanent membership will make the UNSC both more flexible and more democratic.{{Cite web|title='UNITING FOR CONSENSUS' GROUP OF STATES INTRODUCES TEXT ON SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY {{!}} Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2005/ga10371.doc.htm|access-date=2021-05-19|website=www.un.org|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021102037/https://www.un.org/press/en/2005/ga10371.doc.htm|url-status=live}}
In Latin America countries, Colombia,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Mexico{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} and Argentina opposes a seat for Brazil.{{Cite web |title=People's Daily Online -- Argentina opposes Brazilian admission to UN Security Council |url=http://en.people.cn/200504/15/eng20050415_181210.html |access-date=2022-03-02 |website=en.people.cn |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302025350/http://en.people.cn/200504/15/eng20050415_181210.html |url-status=live }} In Asia, Pakistan opposes India's bid.{{Cite web|last=Iqbal|first=Anwar|date=2020-09-27|title=Pakistan opposes India's demand for UNSC seat|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1581834|access-date=2021-11-29|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129140255/https://www.dawn.com/news/1581834|url-status=live}}
Another counter-proposal, the Ezulwini Consensus, was presented by the African Union, calling for the addition of five new non-permanent seats and two new permanent seats to be allocated to African nations, in response to a lack of African representation on the Security Council.{{Cite web|date=2011-10-25|title=African Union. Inventory of International Nonproliferation Organizations and Regimes|url=http://cns.miis.edu/inventory/pdfs/au.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-19|website=James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025001131/http://cns.miis.edu/inventory/pdfs/au.pdf|archive-date=25 October 2011|via=archive.org}}
Activity
File:UN Security Council and G4.svg members as a future reformed UNSC]]
File:Meeting of G4 Leaders on United Nations Security Council Reform 20150926 1.jpg
The G4 suggested that two African nations, in addition to themselves, be included in the enlarged UNSC. In several conferences during the summer of 2005, African Union was unable to agree on two nominees: Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa all lay claim to a permanent African UNSC seat.[https://www.un.org/av/radio/unandafrica/transcript57.htm Africa's Battle for Power in the Security Council], United Nations Radio, 21 July 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2006. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051227142848/http://www.un.org/av/radio/unandafrica/transcript57.htm |date=27 December 2005 }}[http://www.africafocus.org/docs05/un0504.php Africa: Security Council Expansion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224221709/http://www.africafocus.org/docs05/un0504.php |date=24 February 2009 }}, AfricaFocus Bulletin, 30 April 2005. Retrieved 14 May 2006.
A UN General Assembly in September 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the UN and the members were to decide on a number of necessary reforms—including the enlarged Security Council. However the unwillingness to find a negotiable position stopped even the most urgent reforms; the September 2005 General Assembly was a setback for the UN.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}
The G4 retain their goal of permanent UNSC membership for all four nations (plus two African nations). In January 2006, Japan announced it would not support putting the G4 resolution back on the table, not to interfere with any effort by the African Union to unite behind a single plan. And meanwhile, Japan's continuing relations with the G4 were not mutually exclusive.{{Cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb137/is_2_28/ai_n29284034/?tag=content;col1Harvard |title=International Review, Summer, 2006 by Emily Bruemmer |access-date=8 April 2011 |archive-date=11 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111032544/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb137/is_2_28/ai_n29284034/?tag=content;col1Harvard |url-status=live }}[http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/reform/cluster1/2006/0107bid.htm Japan Says No to G4 Bid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090519045627/http://www.globalpolicy.org//security//reform/cluster1/2006/0107bid.htm |date=19 May 2009 }}, Global Policy Forum, News24.com, 7 Jan 2006 G4 issued a joint statement on 12 February 2011, in which their foreign ministers agreed to seek concrete outcome in the current session of the UN General Assembly.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
In September 2015, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, invited the leaders of the G4 for a summit following the adoption of UN General Assembly Decision 69/560 by consensus, which moved forward for the first time.{{cite web |last = Sharma |first = Rajeev |url = http://www.firstpost.com/world/india-pushes-the-envelope-at-g4-summit-pm-modi-tells-unsc-to-make-space-for-largest-democracies-2446526.html |title = India pushes the envelope at G4 Summit: PM Modi tells UNSC to make space for largest democracies |date = 27 September 2015 |access-date = 20 October 2015 |work = First Post |archive-date = 2 June 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210602011854/https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-pushes-the-envelope-at-g4-summit-pm-modi-tells-unsc-to-make-space-for-largest-democracies-2446526.html |url-status = live }} In 2017, it was reported that the G4 nations were willing to temporarily forgo veto power if granted a permanent UNSC seat.{{cite web|title=India Offers To Temporarily Forgo Veto Power If Granted Permanent UNSC Seat|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/08/india-offers-to-temporarily-forgo-veto-power-if-granted-permanen/|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=9 March 2017|archive-date=8 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308181726/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/03/08/india-offers-to-temporarily-forgo-veto-power-if-granted-permanen/|url-status=live}}
In September 2019, in a joint press statement during the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the G4 ministers reiterated their strong commitment to an early and comprehensive reform of the UNSC. Bearing in mind that in 2020 the United Nations would celebrate its 75th anniversary, the G4 ministers also expressed their firm hope that the current session of the General Assembly would pave the way for finally moving on the call for an ‘early reform’ of the Security Council and underscored their steadfast support for Africa's representation in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of a future reform.{{cite news |title=Joint Press Statement |url=http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/20897-meeting-of-the-foreign-ministers-of-the-g4-countries-brazil-germany-india-and-japan-united-nations-security-council-reform-joint-press-statement-new-york-25-september-2019 |website=Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=26 September 2019 |archive-date=5 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005154208/http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/en/press-releases/20897-meeting-of-the-foreign-ministers-of-the-g4-countries-brazil-germany-india-and-japan-united-nations-security-council-reform-joint-press-statement-new-york-25-september-2019 |url-status=live }}
In September 2023, in a joint press statement during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the foreign ministers of G4, joined to discuss the state of play of the negotiations for the reform of the UNSC, and reiterated that the expansion of the Security Council is essential to make the body more representative, legitimate, effective and efficient, adding that Africa needs to be represented in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of a reformed and expanded Council.{{cite news |title=Joint Press Statement |url=https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/canais_atendimento/imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/comunicado-conjunto-da-reuniao-ministerial-do-g4-2013-nova-york-21-de-setembro-de-2023 |website=Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=21 September 2023 |access-date=9 November 2023 |archive-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109141656/https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/canais_atendimento/imprensa/notas-a-imprensa/comunicado-conjunto-da-reuniao-ministerial-do-g4-2013-nova-york-21-de-setembro-de-2023 |url-status=live }}
Current leaders of the G4 Nations
The following are the head of state and heads of government that represent the members of the G4 nations as of 2024:
File:Lula (05-09-2024).jpg|{{flagicon|Brazil}} Lula da Silva
President of the
Federative Republic of Brazil
since 1 January 2023
File:Olaf Scholz and Gustavo Petro in New York 2024 (cropped).jpg|{{Flagicon|Germany}} Olaf Scholz
Chancellor of the
Federal Republic of Germany
since 8 December 2021
File:Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.jpg|{{flagicon|India}} Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of the
Republic of India
since 26 May 2014
File:Ishiba Shigeru 20241001 (cropped).jpg|{{flagicon|Japan}} Shigeru Ishiba
Prime Minister of the
State of Japan
since 1 October 2024
=Current ministerial leaders=
class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" |
Member
! Foreign minister ! Name ! Defense minister ! Name |
---|
{{flagcountry|Brazil}} |
{{nowrap|{{flagcountry|Germany}}}} |
{{flagcountry|India}} |
{{flagcountry|Japan}} |
See also
References
{{Reflist|2}}
{{International power}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2005 in international relations
Category:United Nations coalitions and unofficial groups
Category:United Nations reform
Category:Brazil and the United Nations
Category:Germany and the United Nations
Category:India and the United Nations
Category:Japan and the United Nations
Category:Brazil–Germany relations
Category:Brazil–India relations
Category:Brazil–Japan relations
Category:Germany–India relations