Innledning
In 1920 the British Empire controlled a fifth of the world's land surface. Today the Empire has developed into a voluntary association of forty-nine independent states with a combined population of more than 1,100 million: a quarter of the world's people, including some of the richest countries and some of the poorest.
The genesis of this voluntary association of nations traces back to the independence of Britain's former colonies, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, as they emerged as sovereign states.
The dissolution of the Empire has been a gradual process, with the privilege of residing and working in Britain being extended to the citizens of this vast territory until as late as 1962, but it is no longer applicable today.
Innholdsfortegnelse
Overview
Facts
Leaders
Issues
Utdrag
While the Commonwealth has faced criticism for being viewed as a post-colonial club, its member nations perceive it as a voluntary alliance of independent states committed to fostering democracy, good governance, human rights, and economic progress.
Nonetheless, it has been challenged for its perceived lack of influence on the global stage, as it does not act as a unified bloc in international affairs and holds limited sway over non-member countries.
Despite these criticisms, the Commonwealth wields considerable influence over its member states through the advantages that come with membership, including developmental assistance and collaboration towards achieving common international objectives.
Unlike the United Nations, the Commonwealth operates without formal contractual obligations among its members, but they voluntarily uphold the principles and beliefs set forth by the heads of government.
In 1995, the Commonwealth established the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), comprising eight ministers, tasked with addressing governments that persistently violate Commonwealth principles.
CMAG holds the authority to take collective punitive measures, such as implementing economic sanctions or suspending uncooperative member states.
However, the true strength of the Commonwealth lies in its moral authority. Rooted in commitments to racial equality and national sovereignty, the Commonwealth played a central role in the anti-apartheid campaign during the 1980s.
It demonstrated its stance by suspending Nigeria's membership in 1995 following the military regime's imposition of the death sentence on writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and other activists, as well as by suspending Fiji in 2000 after the overthrow of its elected government.
Legg igjen en kommentar