The Commonwealth of Nations

The 20^th century witnessed an intensive process of decolonization of the British Empire. The nations that wanted independence were granted it. A tendency to decolonize grew into a desire to form a great ‘family’, a special union, for economic, cultural and social reasons. The name of that ‘family’ is The Commonwealth of Nations, an association of sovereign states that have been ruled or are still being ‘ruled’ by Britain. The Queen is Head of the Commonwealth of Nations where she is represented by the Governor-General appointed by her on the advice of the Government of the country concerned and completely independent of the British Government.

The Commonwealth is an association of 54 states. Alongside with Britain and such developed countries as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, it includes such large developing countries as India, Nigeria and very small states as Nauru (population — 13,000), as well as dependent territories, like Anguilla, Bermuda, Gibraltar and others. The total population of these member states has been estimated at 1.7 billion (around 30% of the world population). The Commonwealth offers an example of close cooperation among countries of equal status but widely different strength. It is this fact which has often made observers speak about the Commonwealth as a model for international cooperation. The Commonwealth of Nations is listed on the Guinness Book of Records as the World’s largest political alliance.

The Commonwealth is not a federation, because there is no central government, no common defence force, judiciary and no rigid obligations among the members. Nevertheless, all the members of the Commonwealth are bound together by a common sense of ideals and a common interest in the maintenance of peace, freedom and security.

The Commonwealth does not formulate central policies on economic and foreign affairs. However, there is a considerable consultation and cooperation between the member states of the Commonwealth. Consultations among the Commonwealth countries take place through diplomatic representatives known as High Commissioners, meetings of heads of Government, specialized conferences of other ministers and officials, expert groups, and discussions at international conferences and the United Nations. Trade and cultural exhibitions and conferences of professional and unofficial medical, cultural, sports, educational and economic organisations are other ways in which frequent contacts are made.

The Commonwealth has relatively little political machinery. Its most important institution for formal exchange of views, the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Meeting (or the Commonwealth Conference), has no executive authority. Heads of Governments usually meet every two years. Proceedings are usually held in private with an informal exchange of views. On international affairs no formal decisions are taken and no attempt is made to formulate specifically Commonwealth policies, although, on occasion, common views on matters of major international concern are formulated and reflected in the communiqué issued at the end of meetings. Conference resolutions have no legal effect, unless adopted by the individual countries. The Meeting of Prime Ministers is, therefore, a means of consultation, not a formal organ for reaching decisions.

The Commonwealth Secretariat provides the central organisation for consultation and cooperation among member states. Established in London in 1965, headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the heads of Government, and financed by member Governments, the Secretariat is responsible to Commonwealth Governments collectively. The Secretariat promotes consultation, disseminates information on matters of common concern, and organises meetings and conferences. Mr. Kamalesh Sharma (India) took over as Commonwealth Secretary-General on 1 April 2008. He was appointed to the post by Commonwealth Heads of Governments at their meeting in Kampala, Uganda, in November 2007.

Commonwealth Day is an annual event during which all the fifty-four member countries of the Commonwealth celebrate their links with one another. Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March, and the day is celebrated around the world – from the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty The Queen, who issues a special message, through Commonwealth Prime Ministers and Presidents to the citizens of the Commonwealth. Everyone celebrates in their own way, from official receptions to school assemblies, sports tournaments to concerts, multi-faith observances to tree-planting ceremonies.