Since 1975, the annual G7/G8 Summit brings together leaders of the world's richest nations - United States, Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Canada. While not a full member, Russia has attended the meetings since 1994. The meetings consider economic policy issues as well as political and security matters. Though not an "institution," the G7/G8 represents an important global policy making process at the highest level. In addition to the annual meeting of heads of state and governments, there are also annual meetings of foreign ministers and other ad hoc ministerial meetings. For many years, protests and alternative events have criticized the summit for defending the interests of the rich and powerful at the expense of most of the world's people.
