US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a new global power forum called the C5, or Core Five. The group would include the United States, China, Russia, India and Japan, sidelining Europe-focused bodies such as the G7. Politico reported the idea after Defense One claimed an extended, unpublished version of the National Security Strategy referenced the proposal. The White House denied the existence of any alternate plan.
The C5 concept centers on a hard-power approach rather than wealth or democratic credentials. The members would hold regular summits, similar to the G7. The first agenda item would focus on Middle East security, with an emphasis on normalising ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Analysts say the idea fits Trump’s worldview. Experts told Politico that Trump tends to prioritise strong states and clear spheres of influence. They noted that Europe is absent from the proposed forum, raising concerns that Washington could view Russia as a central power in Europe.
Some former officials argue the concept breaks sharply from Trump’s earlier China policy, which framed relations through great-power competition. The prospect of a C5 has unsettled US allies. They fear the move would legitimise authoritarian leaders, weaken Western unity and undermine NATO at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.
