The G8 started life in 1975, when France issued an invitation to five other highly industrialised countries – Germany, Britain, Italy, Japan and the US – to a summit to discuss global issues. A year later, they met again with Canada. Then Russia joined in 1997, making it the Group of Eight. At its best, the G8 follows its original design – of a fireside chat about the critical issues of the day between the most powerful people in the world. At its worst, the leaders meet and just read
