The Group of Twenty: Input and Output Legitimacy, Reforms, and Agenda

Abstract

This paper examines both the strengths and weaknesses of the Group of Twenty (G-20) from the perspective of input and output legitimacy. Notwithstanding some initial successes the constraints with respect to 'output' have become more acute. Moreover, the 'input' legitimacy of the G-20 has been eroded by the absence of the United Nations in the design and representational gaps. On the basis of this analysis, the paper examines the debates and makes specific policy recommendations by which regionalism, the engagement of small states (through the role of Singapore and the 3-G coalition), and the expansion of the agenda can be utilized as a dynamic of reform for the G-20 without eroding the core strengths in terms of informality and issue-specific focus of the forum.

Keywords: group of twenty, united nations, regionalism, small states

JEL Classification: D7, F02, G01, F55