In a summit meeting that concluded on Saturday, President Joe Biden and fellow world leaders unveiled ambitious plans for the future. However, the cold reality remains that many of these leaders may not stay in office long enough to see these plans come to fruition. With a populist, far-right movement on the rise in both Europe and the United States, Biden and his allies are facing the risk of being unseated, potentially jeopardizing important deals, such as those regarding Ukraine's defense.

The traditional "family photo" taken at the G7 summit, which consists of the wealthiest democracies, depicted a group of world leaders currently embattled and falling out of touch with their constituents. The looming threat of upcoming global elections cast a shadow over the proceedings, even though the topic was not explicitly discussed during the meetings.

A recent poll by NBC News revealed that President Biden's approval rating stands in the low 40s, putting him on par with former President Donald Trump. If Biden were to be defeated in the upcoming November elections, Ukraine would lose its strongest ally in countering Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence.

France's centrist president, Emmanuel Macron, recently called for snap elections, opening the door for the far-right to gain control of the country's legislature. Similarly, right-wing forces have made significant gains in Germany during the recent European elections, questioning the stability of moderate leader Olaf Scholz's chancellorship.

The fragility of G7 leadership was not something the members wished to advertise, but it underscored the urgency and high stakes of this summit. The fear is that this could be their last chance to accomplish something significant before potential political changes occur.

One of the key agreements reached at the summit was a 10-year security pact between the U.S. and Ukraine. However, depending on the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, this pact could be reduced to just a seven-month alliance. Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the pact with great ceremony, but a future president would have the freedom to abandon the partnership if they so choose.

The G7 leaders were keen on "Trump-proofing" their foreign policy in case Biden loses the election. Another deal announced at the summit involved a $50 billion loan to Ukraine for countering Russia and rebuilding the country. The timing of this loan becomes crucial, as if Trump were to win, Ukraine would receive the money before his term begins in 2025, potentially avoiding any potential foreign policy shifts that may come with a Trump administration.

However, Biden's ability to lock in U.S. support for Ukraine in the event of Trump's return remains limited due to the broad powers of the presidency. The stark contrast in worldview between the two presidents poses a challenge in establishing a consistent foreign policy approach.

As the rematch between Trump and Biden approaches, the former president becomes a prominent focus of the G7 and other world leaders. Trump's strained relationships with long-standing American allies and skepticism about his commitment to the post-World War II order rooted in alliances among democratic nations raise concerns amongst global leaders.

The question of America's commitment to a rules-based engagement and its involvement around the world becomes a prevalent topic among friends and allies. The possibility of a Trump return is a grim consideration in foreign policy discussions, with many allies expressing their lack of trust in his leadership.

Amidst these uncertainties, President Biden made the most of the summit, knowing it could potentially be his last. His granddaughters accompanied him on the trip, including Maisy, Finnegan, and Naomi, the latter of whom testified at her father Hunter Biden's trial. Biden's visit to Italy also included a private meeting with Pope Francis, highlighting his admiration for the pontiff as a warrior for peace.

As the populist wave continues to gain momentum, threatening the stability of the G7 leaders and their plans, the international community watches with concern, hoping for a consistent, principled approach to global challenges. Only time will tell if these leaders can weather the storm and see their plans come to fruition.