Analysis: what is the Commonwealth?

Summary

World leaders are meeting in London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Commonwealth, a political association of 53 countries across six continents, mostly former British colonies, has a population of 2.4 billion. Membership is voluntary, based on shared values like human rights, trade, and good governance, and includes events like the Commonwealth Games. Despite its legacy, challenges persist, particularly anti-LGBT laws in 37 member states. Younger Royals, such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry with Meghan Markle, are seen as key to promoting the Commonwealth’s relevance, while Brexit has sparked renewed interest in strengthening trade and migration ties within the organization.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Commonwealth is one of the world's oldest political associations, consisting of 53 member states across six continents.
• 🇬🇧 Many Commonwealth countries were previously ruled by the British Empire in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• 👥 The total population of the Commonwealth is approximately 2.4 billion people.
• 🌐 Membership is voluntary and based on shared values like liberty, human rights, trade, and good governance.
• 🏅 The Commonwealth Games, similar to a mini-Olympics, occur every four years.
• ⚖️ The Commonwealth faces relevance challenges due to its colonial history and ongoing issues, such as anti-LGBT laws in member countries.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Currently, 36 out of 53 Commonwealth countries maintain a total prohibition on same-sex relationships, reflecting a colonial legacy.
• 👑 Younger British Royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry with Meghan Markle, are actively touring Commonwealth nations to strengthen ties.
• 💼 With Brexit, Britain aims to increase the Commonwealth's importance through new trade deals and migration policies.
• ✈️ Commonwealth engagement is seen as a strategy to maintain global influence post-Brexit and secure its future relevance.

Q & A

What is the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth is a political association made up of 53 states across six continents, which were previously ruled by the British Empire. It is one of the world's oldest political associations, with a total population of 2.4 billion people.

How many countries are part of the Commonwealth?

There are 53 countries in the Commonwealth.

What countries are included in the Commonwealth?

The Commonwealth includes countries like Canada, Australia, Nigeria, India, and much of the Caribbean.

Which three countries joined the Commonwealth despite never being part of the British Empire?

Cameroon, Mozambique, and Rwanda joined the Commonwealth despite never being part of the British Empire.

Is membership in the Commonwealth mandatory for former British colonies?

No, membership in the Commonwealth is voluntary and is based on a shared commitment to values like liberty, human rights, trade, and good governance.

What major event does the Commonwealth hold every four years?

The Commonwealth Games, which is a sort of mini-Olympics, takes place every four years.

What are some of the challenges facing the Commonwealth today?

One major challenge facing the Commonwealth is its colonial history, especially the continued enforcement of anti-LGBT laws in 37 member countries. Currently, 36 Commonwealth countries have a total prohibition on same-sex relationships.

What is the legacy of British colonial rule in the Commonwealth?

The toxic legacy of British colonial rule includes the continuation of anti-LGBT laws in several Commonwealth countries, which still enforce bans on same-sex relationships.

How are the younger Royals involved in the future of the Commonwealth?

The younger Royals, like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, have taken on the task of securing the future of the Commonwealth through tours around member countries, which helps increase its visibility and relevance.

What role is the Commonwealth expected to play after the UK leaves the EU?

With Brexit, there is a strong belief that the Commonwealth will take on greater importance. The UK is expected to pursue new trade deals with Commonwealth countries and regain control over its borders, potentially swapping EU migration for Commonwealth migration.