The commonwealth

 Introduction :

An international organization, often abbreviated as IO, is a formal, structured association established by multiple sovereign states or other entities with the primary purpose of facilitating cooperation, collaboration, and coordination on issues of common interest at the international level. These organizations serve as platforms for member states to engage in diplomacy, address global challenges, and work towards shared goals.

Therefore, our presentation puts its focus on The Commonwealth Of Nations which is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire. It is one of the world’s oldest political associations of states. The Commonwealth emerged in the mid-20th century during the process of decolonization. It was formally constituted by the London Declaration of 1949, which established member states as "free and equal" partners.

This association has different purposes that we'll discuss later on but In general, its goal is to promote cooperation, international peace, and security. Indeed, from 1949, the Commonwealth has evolved as an organisation to promote democracy, human rights, economic and social development as it was indicated in its Charter agreed by its members.

On another note, we can observe on a critical aspect, that this IO is also a manner for the United Kingdom to keep its influence among its formers colonies, This startegy serves to advance the interests of the English nation.

Hence, considering modern challenges such as sustainable development, poverty reduction, food security, and democracy, is it still relevant to have an organization built on former colonies ?

First, we will explore the origins of the Commonwealth, with a specific focus on its colonial beginnings and the process of its formation.

Afterward, we will highlight the contemporary challenges faced by the Commonwealth, which raise questions about its relevance.

1. The Commonwealth’s Origin story

1. Colonial Origins

• The Commonwealth's colonial origins can be traced back to the vast expansion of the British Empire during the 16th to the 20th centuries. At its zenith, the British Empire covered a significant portion of the globe, including territories in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
• The Relationship between the British colonial power and its various colonies is pretty complex. It involved not only governance and administration but also cultural and economic ties. The colonial era saw the exchange of goods, people, and ideas between the mother country and its overseas territories.

During the British colonial period in India (1858-1947) we can observe a clear illustration of this complexity. The British established their presence in India in the 17th century and eventually took control of the subcontinent. Over the decades, India became known as the "Jewel in the Crown" of the British Empire.

• The British implemented direct governance in India, establishing a central government with British officials. They introduced administrative reforms, enacted laws, and imposed their system of governance, which profoundly affected India's political structure.
• The British also influenced Indian culture by introducing the English language, Western education, and political and social ideas.
• India was a source of wealth for the British Empire, providing valuable raw materials such as cotton, spices, and minerals. At the same time, the British contributed to India's infrastructure and industrial development.

• Prior to the formal establishment of the Commonwealth, there were instances of informal cooperation among some British colonies and dominions. These early forms of cooperation laid the groundwork for the future development of the Commonwealth as nations began to explore common interests and shared values.

1. Evolution of Dominions

• In 1867, the Dominion of Canada was established through the British North America Act. This marked a significant development as it was the first self-governing dominion within the British Empire. Canada was granted considerable autonomy in domestic affairs, and it became a model for other dominions.
• The Balfour Declaration of 1926 was a crucial step in the evolution of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. This declaration recognized the full autonomy of the dominions, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. It stated that these dominions were "autonomous communities within the British Empire" and were equal in status with the United Kingdom. This declaration marked the beginning of a transition from empire to Commonwealth.
• Moreover, We can notice Several events and shifts in the early 20th century which contributed to the transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations. These included the impacts of World War I and World War II, which necessitated greater cooperation among dominions and accelerated the move towards independence. The Statute of Westminster in 1931 further solidified the independence of dominions, and the gradual decolonization process in the post-war period, that resulted in the formation of a voluntary association of equal and independent states known as the Commonwealth of Nations.

1. The process

1. Creation of the Commonwealth as an Organization

• The Commonwealth as an organization was formally established with the London Declaration of 1949. This declaration declared that the member states were free and equal, allowing them to freely determine their political, economic, and social systems. It affirmed the commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, serving as a foundational document for the modern Commonwealth.
• In its early years, the Commonwealth focused on post-World War II reconstruction and development, as well as promoting cooperation and consultation among its members. It aimed to provide a platform for diplomatic dialogue and mutual support, particularly among the newly independent nations.
• The Commonwealth initially consisted of the United Kingdom and its dominions. Over time, it expanded to include other former colonies and territories, embracing nations from diverse regions and backgrounds.

1. Decolonization and Independence

• The Commonwealth played a significant role in the process of decolonization. It provided a forum for newly independent nations to share their experiences, seek support, and collaborate on political and economic development. Several countries, such as India, Ghana, and Nigeria, achieved independence with the support and guidance of the Commonwealth. These nations often received technical and financial assistance, as well as political advice, to help them on the path to self-governance.
• Decolonization had a profound impact on the composition of the Commonwealth. It led to the admission of many newly independent countries, diversifying the organization and emphasizing its commitment to the principles of self-determination and sovereignty.

1.  The current challenges faced by the Commonwealth

• Today, 56 states have some dependences on the King Charles III and paye subscriptions to the British Crown.
• We can wonder why such an organization is still alive on the XXIst century.

1. Advantages that evolved in order to match with contemporary issues

• Actually, the British crown has no operational role towards the challenges that its members are facing :climate, economic development, health, cybsecurity, education, and so on…
• But British crown offers support in all these fields. For instance, It helps the countries to find financial ressources threw International investors. Members find it on average nineteen percent cheaper to export to other members, partially due to pre-existing commonalities in language and legal systems.The BC can also supply for technical assistant in various fields such as education, health and management of raw materials.
• BC also promotes cooperation between its members in order to deal with all these issues.

1. Weaknesses that compromise its legitimacy

• If the durability of the Commonwealth is mostly guaranteed by the commun values of its members and their shared histories as former british colonies, King Charles’s coronation threw an uncumfortable spotlight on the organisation. Indeed, some of the ex-colony members see this history in the same positive, nostalgic light, making their supposed commonality questionable. Following the queen’s death, only a fraction of the Commonwealth needed to issue proclamations declaring loyalty to Charles III as their new official head of state.
• What’s more, the Commonwealth is also accused of complicity with certain countries that flout human rights. For instance, over half of the world’s countries where same-sex marriage is criminalized belong to the Commonwealth. Furthermore, the organization has no real mechanism or large cash pot through which it can meet its aims of strengthening democracy and nurturing economic development.
• Economic disparities among member states are also a source of criticism. While some Commonwealth countries are highly developed, others struggle with poverty and underdevelopment. Critics argue that the Commonwealth should do more to address economic inequalities within its membership.

In conclusion, the Commonwealth of Nations, with its historical origins and its role in post-colonial international relations, has had a significant impact on the world. It began as a collection of former British colonies and dominions and has evolved into a diverse association of nations committed to shared values, such as democracy, human rights, and development. While it has achieved many successes, it is not without its modern criticisms, including concerns about its relevance, influence disparities, and limitations in addressing contemporary global challenges.

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