How do international summits increase the importance of prime ministers?

In the modern era, the role of the prime minister has been significantly enhanced by the emergence of international summits and regular meetings between heads of government, such as those held by the European Union. These events serve as key moments in international diplomacy, allowing prime ministers to focus on high-profile, strategic aspects of government, including foreign relations and major defense decisions.1

International summits increase the importance of prime ministers in several ways:

• Direct Engagement: Summits allow political leaders to develop personal relationships, which can be a significant asset in international affairs.2
• Efficiency: By meeting face-to-face, leaders can cut through bureaucratic thickets, set clear guidelines or deadlines, and accelerate agreements that might otherwise stall.2
• Agenda Setting: These forums provide prime ministers with a platform to exert influence over the government’s agenda, even in systems where their domestic power might otherwise be limited.3

While these summits can be risky—as poor preparation or a public fumble by a leader can lead to diplomatic failure—they remain a primary venue for heads of government to exercise their authority on the global stage.2