What is the proposed “Core Five (C5)” grouping?

The Core Five (C5) is a reported proposal attributed to former US President Donald Trump, under which a new elite global grouping would be created.
It would consist of five major powers:

United States
China
Russia
India
Japan

The idea reportedly appeared in an unpublished draft of the US National Security Strategy (NSS), as revealed by Politico. Though the White House has officially denied it, experts believe the concept reflects Trump’s strategic worldview.

Why was the C5 proposed?

The proposed C5 reflects a shift in global power dynamics and dissatisfaction with existing Western-dominated forums like the G7, which includes:

US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan

Key motivations behind C5:

Declining dominance of Europe in global geopolitics
Rise of Asia, particularly China and India
Trump’s belief in great power politics rather than ideological alliances
Preference for direct engagement among powerful states

Key Features of the Core Five (C5)

1. Limited, elite grouping

Like the G7, but smaller and more power-centric
Focuses only on major military, economic, and demographic powers

2. Regular summits

Would meet periodically at leader-level summits
Discussions would be issue-based, not broad development agendas

3. Security-focused agenda

According to Defense One, the first agenda item could be:

Middle East security
Normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia

This suggests a hard-security and geopolitical focus, rather than economic or climate cooperation.

How is C5 different from existing groupings?

Aspect	G7	G20	Proposed C5
Nature	Western-dominated	Broad & inclusive	Power-centric
Members	Mainly Europe + US, Japan	Developed + developing	Only major powers
Focus	Economy, democracy	Economy, development	Security & geopolitics
Europe’s role	Central	Important	Excluded

Official US Position

The White House has denied the existence of any alternative or secret NSS.
Press Secretary Annah Kelly stated:
“No alternative, private or secret version exists.”

However, national security experts argue that:

Even if unofficial, the idea aligns with Trump’s worldview
It reflects his preference for transactional diplomacy and strongman politics

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Torrey Taussig (Former US National Security Council official)

Said C5 fits Trump’s non-ideological worldview
Emphasizes:
- Cooperation among strong regional powers
- Acceptance of spheres of influence
Notably, Europe is excluded, suggesting:
- A possible downgrading of Europe’s role
- Implicit recognition of Russia’s influence in Europe

Michael Sobolik (Former Trump administration aide)

Warned that C5 would be a major departure from Trump’s earlier policy
Earlier approach:
- Great Power Competition, especially against China
C5 suggests:
- Potential accommodation or engagement with China instead of confrontation

Implications for Global Politics

1. Impact on Western unity

Weakens traditional alliances like:
- NATO
- G7
May marginalize Europe in global decision-making

2. Shift from values to power

Less focus on:
- Democracy
- Human rights
More focus on:
- Military strength
- Strategic influence

3. Normalization of multipolarity

Acknowledges that global power is now distributed
Moves away from US-led liberal international order

Significance for India (UPSC Angle)

Opportunities

Recognition of India as a major global power
Direct participation in top-level security decision-making
Strategic autonomy preserved (non-ideological grouping)

Challenges

Sitting with China and Russia may complicate India’s interests
Risk of being drawn into great power rivalries
Possible dilution of platforms like Quad

Conclusion

The proposed Core Five (C5) represents a potential restructuring of global governance, centered on power politics rather than shared values.
Though officially denied, the idea reflects broader trends: