"The G8 has become a central actor in global governance, with a steadily expanding role and agenda, incremental growth of membership and broadening network of associated states. The leaders' summits remain at the apex, but the G8 system also comprises expanding and intensifying networks of ministerial fora, task forces and expert groups. Hajnal pays close attention to these entities as well as to the increasing involvement of non-state actors with the G8. In addition, he assesses critically the documentary output of the G8 system, the growing corpus of writings about the G8, and archival resources (never before presented)."--Jacket.