As Trump sits out, G20 summits a new world where deals don’t wait for the US

The shift began when President Donald Trump refused to attend, accusing South Africa of persecuting its white minority

A dramatic G20 summit in Johannesburg unfolded without the United States at the table, turning what is normally a carefully choreographed display of global coordination into a bold experiment: could the world’s major economies push ahead on climate, trade and development without Washington’s blessing, the New York Times reported.

A boycott that reshaped the summit’s tone

The shift began when President Donald Trump refused to attend, accusing South Africa of persecuting its white minority. The boycott stunned diplomats and set the stage for a very different gathering. Instead of scrambling to appease Washington, several leaders used the moment to assert independence — and even indulge in open humour.

When asked whether the US had tried to reverse its decision at the last minute, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa burst into laughter before confirming that Washington had indeed sent a note “about a change of mind.” The reaction would have been unthinkable in previous years, when US displeasure could derail negotiations.

This time, South Africa declined a symbolic request from the Trump administration: it refused to allow a junior American diplomat to receive the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency. Instead, officials were told they could visit the foreign ministry later in the week. It was a clear signal that the host nation would not bend simply to preserve diplomatic tradition.

Africa-centric agenda moves forward

With the US sidelined, South Africa seized the chance to shape the agenda. Ramaphosa opened the summit with the adoption of a final declaration — a reversal of the usual order — and announced unanimous agreement among those present, despite loud objections from Argentina, which has aligned itself closely with the Trump administration.

The declaration included phrases Washington had resisted in pre-summit negotiations, such as “just energy transitions,” “climate change” and “gender equality.” For many attendees, the moment felt symbolic: a coalition of nations demonstrating that progress need not hinge on American approval.

African priorities also dominated discussion, from renewable energy investments to critical minerals partnerships. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stood beside Ramaphosa during announcements of a new minerals pact and significant funding for renewable energy projects on the continent. Only months earlier, European officials had criticised South Africa for its close ties with Russia; now, both sides were presenting a united front.

Celebration tempered by geopolitical reality

Despite the upbeat messaging, no leader was under any illusion that the US could be ignored indefinitely. The American economy remains central to global trade, energy policy and financial institutions. Brazil is still grappling with high US tariffs, while South Africa is locked in negotiations to reduce its own 30 percent tariff penalty.

The final declaration itself carries no legal weight. It can shape international conversations and influence institutions such as the IMF, but the US retains decisive voting power within those very bodies. The absence of Washington also complicated security discussions. On the summit’s first day, Ukraine’s allies scrambled to address a contentious US-backed peace proposal for the war with Russia, underscoring how American positions continue to shape diplomatic calculations.

French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the strain, noting that negotiators were struggling to find agreement on issues previously considered settled. Yet he also suggested that the shifting dynamic was forcing countries to engage more constructively with each other.

Testing the limits of a US-free framework

Observers say Beijing and other powers are treating the moment as a chance to assess how far global cooperation can proceed without American leadership — and how much leverage Trump’s absence gives them. For China, the episode offers an opportunity to gauge the strength of US-Japan ties and the depth of Washington’s commitment to Asia amid ongoing trade tensions.

Still, analysts warn that China will avoid pushing too aggressively, fearful of jeopardising a fragile trade truce with Washington or undermining preparations for a possible Trump visit to Beijing next year.

A symbolic success, but no clean break

For countries eager to demonstrate autonomy, Johannesburg delivered a headline moment: a G20 summit that adopted a declaration, struck deals and advanced regional priorities without Washington in the room.

But beneath the confident statements lies a more complicated reality. The global economy remains tightly intertwined with the United States, and major policy shifts in trade, climate finance and security still require American participation.

For the passengers on cruise ships barred from docking in Japan or the industries facing US tariffs, the diplomatic theatre in Johannesburg offers little immediate relief. The world may be willing to show that it can function without Washington — but few leaders believe that it can thrive without eventually bringing the United States back into the fold.