When you travel from Buenos Aires' airport to the central part of the city, you'll see hundreds of armed police agents along the highway. The security is tight, with some major downtown streets blocked and surrounded by checkpoints. With all the VIP delegations in attendance, this is usual for the annual G20 meetings — just as usual, as the attempts of antiglobalists to disrupt these events.
The first big #NoG20 rally is scheduled for the first day of the summit. Nevertheless, even the preparations, with “Baby Trump” balloon in the sky, and with peaceful conferences instead of attacks on police, make this year’s protest in Argentina different. https://t.co/3EqGJrMP6r
— Denis Bolotsky (@BolotskySputnik) November 30, 2018
In Buenos Aires, the protests, though present, don't look as violent and "out-of-control", as during the last year's G20 in Hamburg, when black-clad gangs terrorized the city, burning cars and attacking police. The only reminder of these events in Argentina so far is the message of support from Hamburg "Block G20" activists on a banner next to the parliament building in Buenos Aires.
The government promised a tough response to any attempts to disrupt the summit, deploying 22000 police officers and 700 security agents to guard the events and cordon-off a large area around the main venue.
Compas from Hamburg are sending greetings tu Buenos Aires. ✊
— NoG20 International (@NoG20_Inter) November 29, 2018
Viva la lucha internacional!@G20HH2017 #HamburgG20#NoG20#FueraG20FMI pic.twitter.com/XVbtD0erMN
Argentina has put a lot of time, effort and money (around $112 million) into its first G20 presidency. Being also the first South American country to host the summit, it organized press tours for journalists who wanted to see the nation's resorts, to acquaint themselves with its traditions and culture. The 30000-square-meter summit venue in Costa Salguero has plenty of space for bilateral meetings and plenary session, which will include closed-door discussions.B
Viva la lucha internacional!@G20HH2017 #HamburgG20#NoG20#FueraG20FMI pic.twitter.com/XVbtD0erMN
— NoG20 International (@NoG20_Inter) November 29, 2018
Apart from the main agenda, which focuses on sustainable food culture, the future of work and infrastructure for development, there are several other trends and events to watch out for.
Donald Trump made a series of contradicting statements ahead of the event, about meeting Russia's Vladimir Putin in Buenos Aires, with his sudden change of heart causing a lot of confusion.
In a matter of few hours #Trump said: "This is the best moment to meet Putin" and "there won't be a meeting with #Putin during #G20Argentina".#US foreign policy under the Trump presidency is a complete chaos that's driving Washington into irrelevancy.https://t.co/25Huu6M4Ss
— Enrico Ivanov ☦ (@Russ_Warrior) November 29, 2018
Trump is known for his habit of making harsh statements followed by the business-like approach, so it's still unclear whether there will be some kind of interaction between Russian and American leaders on the margins of G20.
Besides Russia-US relations, another major "undercurrent" is the looming trade war between Washington and Beijing, with a possible exchange of opinions between the leaders on tariffs and protectionism. Even though in Hamburg the leaders of the G20 agreed to end tariff wars, it looks like protectionism is still on the rise.
The G20 meeting is proving to be quiet an event; Trump v OPEC-Will Saudi cut production or keep pumping to apease Trump? USA/China trade wars-Will a path to reconciliation be made or will Trump double down? Brexit-Can Theresa May sell the plan to the global leaders? #G20 #trading
— Bondi Trader (@TraderBondi) November 30, 2018
The group of 20 industrialized nations was founded in 1999 with a focus on financial stability. Its current members are 19 individual countries and the EU. The global impact of G20 is quite significant, with its members accounting collectively for 80% of world trade.
