What are summits about? Most of the time, minions and sherpas have long before agreed on policy points before the red carpet has even been rolled out. Arguably most important in a summit are the photo ops: a chance for politicians to show they are at the helm, helping to rule the world in a spirit of cooperation. So what does this lot rule over? Dateline the Puglia resort of Borgo Egnazia on Italy’s Adriatic coast. 

The radiant host is Giorgia Meloni, the far-right leader who finished tops in her country in last Sunday’s European elections. Watch all the other G7 leaders. How forced are the smiles for more mainstream incumbents? They’re either reeling from last Sunday, looking over their shoulder as they prepare to face electoral verdicts to come, or in some cases, both.

French President Emmanuel Macron did so badly against the far right that he has called snap legislative elections. Does this summit mark the dying days of a certain kind of Western world order? That brings us to the other reason why summits matter: sidebar talks. 

Liberal democracy is not on the official agenda. So what kind of notes will those weakened incumbents trade on the sidelines as they do battle with a populist surge?

Produced by Maya Yataghene, Rebecca Gnignati and Juliette Brown.