G-20’s power is discussion

The G-20 leaders can endorse a plethora of policies, but nothing other than peer pressure can… The G-20 leaders can endorse a plethora of policies, but nothing other than peer pressure can force governments to abide by them.

James Cassing, a Pitt economics professor, said one of the Summit’s main goals will be to “get everyone going in the same direction on the economy.”

But it’s important to note, he added, that the G-20 is “not a sovereign nation. It can’t force countries to do what it decides,” Cassing said.

Countries that don’t follow agreements are typically “shamed” by other nations in the G-20, partially because decisions are made based on a group consensus, he said.

G-20 members will approach countries that violate their agreements and say, “Why would you back down on your word to do this?” Cassing said.

The most common reason for nations to violate a G-20 policy is if it conflicts with their domestic policies, he said.

Still, Cassing said that the G-20 doesn’t have power to take punitive action.