Introduction

The Commonwealth of Nations is an association of fifty-six “free and equal” member states, most of which were former territories or dominions of the British Empire. The Head of the Commonwealth is His Majesty The King who was appointed the successor to Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 by the Heads of Government of the nations of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth strives to further the causes of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the globe – tenets which have been enshrined and exemplified by the organisation and its members for over seventy years. 

History

During the waning years of the nineteenth century and the dawning of the twentieth, heads of government across the dominions of the British Empire deliberated on the topic of the future of its status and what mechanism could be maintained so that the United Kingdom remained bound to her family of nations. Meetings known as ‘Imperial Conferences’ were to ensue inviting the heads of government from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Newfoundland to discuss the matter.

Visionary ideas were brought forward, enlightened by the classical education of the time and looking upon the successes and failures of history. One such concept was that of an Imperial Federation, a noble aspiration to unite under a singular crown and to be represented by a solitary parliament. A contrasting proposal which sought the complete devolution of power to each entity within a broader, Commonwealth of independent and equal nations prevailed. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 succeeding the Imperial Conference of that year agreed that every realm and dominion within the Empire was to undergo a transformative metamorphosis:

“Equal in status, in no way subordinate one to another in any aspect of their domestic or external affairs, though united by common allegiance to the Crown, and freely associated as members of the British Commonwealth of Nations” – Balfour Declaration 1926

The contents of the Balfour Declaration were made material by the 1931 Statute of Westminster which set out the relationship between the Crown and the now independently recognised Realms of the Commonwealth. Its primary effect was the removal of the Parliament of the United Kingdom’s right to legislate in the dominions including laws of royal succession. The result was that Britain’s Parliament could no longer make laws for the Dominions without their request and consent.

“No Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom passed after the commencement of this Act shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to a Dominion as part of the law of that Dominion, unless it is expressly declared in that Act that that Dominion has requested, and consented to, the enactment thereof.” – Section 4 of the Statute of Westminster 1931

Modern Commonwealth

The modern Commonwealth of Nations emerged as a consequence of the declining power of the British Empire following the severe repercussions endured by Britain during the Second World War and its acquiescence to Indian nationalists, resulting in the loss of the Empire’s Jewel in the Crown, the Indian Empire. Upon gaining independence, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (with Burma having been separated from India in 1937) all became independent Commonwealth Realms. However, as time passed, political elites in these countries increasingly favoured republicanism, prompting an amendment to the Commonwealth's charter to accommodate republics within the multinational collective.

The London Declaration of 1949 was formulated with the understanding that each nation could disassociate itself from formal ties to the British monarchy, while still acknowledging the British Sovereign as a symbol representing the voluntary association of its independent member states and as the Head of the Commonwealth. This arrangement remains in effect to this day.

In recent years, the Commonwealth of Nations has been instrumental in directing world affairs ranging from environmental protection, the eradication of poverty, the protection of the environment, and the abolition of Apartheid in South Africa.

Structure

Each member state of the Commonwealth recognises His Majesty The King as the Head of the Commonwealth. This title is to be formally observed by the individual monarchies of each Commonwealth Realm.

The primary decision-making platform of the Commonwealth of Nations is convened through the 'Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings' (CHOGM), which succeeded the Imperial Conferences held in the previous century. These biennial gatherings are held in different member states, with the participation of Heads of Government and pertinent ministers. The purpose of these meetings is to engage in discussions regarding shared interests and concerns, leading to the formulation of pledges and declarations that are signed by each nation involved. The position of ‘Chair-in-Office’ is bestowed upon the host of the most recent CHOGM, and presently, it is held by the President of Rwanda, who hosted the 2022 CHOGM in the city of Kigali.

While the primary responsibility of the Chair-in-Office is to host the CHOGM, the role has been extended in the past. Notably, the decision made to establish a triumvirate, comprising the previous, current, and forthcoming Chairs-in-Office, in a concerted effort to address the sensitive matter of Zimbabwe's suspension from the Commonwealth in 2002 – an exemplification of the Commonwealth's commitment to democracy and liberty.

Commonwealth Secretariat

The Commonwealth Secretariat serves as the primary conduit for intergovernmental communication and cooperation, assuming the role of an observer within the United Nations.

Situated at Marlborough House, the former residence of the Dukes of Marlborough in London which was leased to the Commonwealth by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, the secretariat is under the leadership of the Commonwealth Secretary-General. This prominent position is attained through election by the Commonwealth Heads of Government and is subject to a maximum tenure of two consecutive four-year terms.

The Commonwealth Games

At the height of British imperial power, the Empire Games emerged as a unifying platform, where nations of the Empire congregated to partake in Olympic-style athletic competitions. Over time, this evolved into the modern-day Commonwealth Games, a quadrennial event hosted by a designated Commonwealth nation. The Games showcase a diverse array of sporting disciplines, encompassing the customary Olympic repertoire alongside distinctive Anglo-centric pursuits like bowls and rugby.

Why The Commonwealth?

One of the primary reasons nations seek to join the Commonwealth is its steadfast commitment to democratic government. As a voluntary association, the Commonwealth requires its members to adhere to a set of fundamental values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

By joining the Commonwealth, nations demonstrate their commitment to upholding these principles, signalling to the international community their dedication to inclusive and accountable governance. The Commonwealth provides a platform for member nations to engage in dialogue and share best practices related to democracy, electoral processes, and good governance. It offers a forum for exchanging experiences, supporting democratic reforms, and facilitating technical assistance when needed. By actively participating in the Commonwealth, nations can strengthen their democratic institutions, enhance transparency, and promote citizen participation.

Another compelling reason for nations to join the Commonwealth is its emphasis on fostering solid business practices and promoting economic development. The Commonwealth places great importance on trade and investment, recognising their potential to uplift nations and improve the lives of their citizens. Member countries benefit from access to a vast network of potential trading partners, fostering economic growth and diversification. The Commonwealth promotes fair and transparent trade policies, encouraging member nations to adopt sustainable and inclusive economic practices. Through initiatives such as the Commonwealth Trade Advantage and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, countries gain valuable support in navigating global markets, promoting exports, and attracting foreign investment. The Commonwealth's focus on responsible business conduct and sustainable development enables member nations to build robust and resilient economies.

The Commonwealth stands as a powerful advocate for the interests of small nations on the global stage. It recognises that smaller countries often face unique challenges and vulnerabilities that require specific attention. By joining the Commonwealth, these nations gain an amplified voice and increased visibility, enabling them to effectively address their concerns and shape international discourse. Through its forums and summits, the Commonwealth provides a platform for small nations to articulate their needs, exchange ideas, and collaborate with larger countries. The organisation supports its members in tackling common challenges, such as environmental issues, healthcare, and education. By leveraging the collective strength of the Commonwealth, smaller nations can influence global decision-making processes and secure international assistance to address their development priorities.

Prospective Members

The Commonwealth of Nations has exerted a momentous and far-reaching influence, particularly in less affluent regions of the world, prompting numerous nations to express a keen interest in membership. Remarkably, this interest extends beyond countries that were formerly part of the British Empire, as exemplified by the inclusion of Mozambique in 1995, Rwanda in 2009, and Togo and Gabon in 2022.

The entry requirements for prospective members are as follows:

• A historic constitutional relationship with at least one Commonwealth member (unless in exceptional circumstances).

• A democratic form of government including free and fair elections.

• The rule of law and an independent judiciary.

• A well-trained and transparent public service.

• The protection of human rights including the freedom of expression and equality of opportunity.

• The acknowledgement of King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth.

Zimbabwe, having been suspended from the Commonwealth for human rights abuses, has since reapplied. South Sudan applied upon independence from Sudan in 2011 having once been a part of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. The unrecognised state of Somaliland has sought entry into the Commonwealth. Suriname and Burundi, despite having not been long-term British colonies, have also applied. Other prospective members include Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iraq, Ireland (Republic of), Jordan, Kuwait, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, and Yemen.