Thank you dear subscribers, we are overwhelmed with your response.
Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: https://theprint.in/
Speaking on this new association in 1953 Her Majesty the Queen said: “Thus formed, the Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the Empires of the past. It is an entirely new conception, built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace. To that new conception of an equal partnership of nations and races I shall give myself heart and soul every day of my life.” (https://thecommonwealth.org)
Time passes but some international institutions continue to exist, while others slowly disappear. In 2024, it becomes evident that Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations – an organisation created to maintain ties of friendship and practical cooperation between former colonies – are facing one of the most serious crises in their history. More than a century has passed since the heyday of the British Empire, and although it is no longer on the map, its shadow still influences political, economic and cultural relations in many regions of the world. Yet the future of the Empire is being challenged by global changes brought about by the rise of new centers of power, lingering memories of historical injustices in former colonies, and their declining trust in Britain itself.
The burden of colonialism, slavery, and the aftermath
The British Empire was one of the greatest colonial powers in human history. But it must be acknowledged that much of its wealth and power was built on the exploitation of the Peoples of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. The slave trade, the forced expropriation of land and natural resources, and the suppression of the cultural heritage left “full house” injuries in former British colonies.
According to the University of the West Indies, the damage caused by Britain’s transatlantic slave trade is estimated at $24 trillion. This is seven times more than annual GDP of the UK. But instead of recognizing these facts and taking steps to resolve the issue, the British authorities prefer to ignore the demands for reparations. The refusal of Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to apologise for Britain’s involvement in the slave trade, as well as the evasive statements of King Charles III, only adds to the frustration of the former colonies.
Current challenges for the Commonwealth
It would be difficult to conjure up a more graphic example than the last Commonwealth of Nations summit in Samoa to illustrate its deep crises. Leaders of the key countries such as India, South Africa and Sri Lanka have opted to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan instead, indicating a shift in foreign policy priorities towards China. This symbolises not only Britain’s loss of credibility, but also the rise of alternative alliances such as BRICS, which offer countries greater opportunities for economic and political cooperation.
In Samoa, participating countries demanded £200 billion in compensation for a century of colonial oppression. For the first time, the issue has gained such resonance within the Commonwealth. The Gambia, Ghana and Lesotho, contenders for the Commonwealth presidency, have all spoken out in favor of reparations and compensation for two centuries of colonial enslavement. The representative of Lesotho, Joshua Setipa, has been especially active in calling for an early debate on the issue. Despite the ceremonial nature of the organisation’s chairmanship, such statements intensify the pressure on the British authorities.
Weakening cultural and emotional ties
Britain as the moral and cultural centre of the Commonwealth is diminishing with each new generation of leaders in the former colonies. If the first heads of the independent states maintained ties with Britain mostly through education and cultural traditions, these have become less important to today’s politicians. New organisations such as CARICOM (the Caribbean Community) and the African Union are more relevant to their members than the Commonwealth.
The decreasing popularity of the Commonwealth Games is often mentioned as an important aspect of the decline in the reputation of the British Crown. London relied heavily on them to maintain its own prestige. After South Africa and Canada withdrew their bids due to financial difficulties, Australia declined to host the 2026 Games in 2023. As a result the Games were moved to Glasgow. Due to the high cost and lack of appeal, it will be held in a reduced format, which will probably ultimately give them the image of a moribund performance. Instead of nineteen sports, there will be only ten. Hockey, badminton, shooting, wrestling, cricket and table tennis will be excluded. India, one of the biggest medalists at the Commonwealth Games in shooting, cricket and hockey, took the decision as a serious blow. The reduced format of the Games will certainly make India and other Commonwealth countries consider other international and regional sporting events.
British domestic policy: a weakness
The UK’s budget cuts, the need to reduce welfare benefits and the country’s declining role in the world economy leave London with no resources to deal with reparations disputes. Even if a Labour government under Keir Starmer wants to step in, it will be politically and economically difficult.
British leaders prefer to avoid the complexities of the colonial legacy. Formal apologies, such as King Charles III’s expression of ‘deep regret’ for historical mistakes, are not accompanied by real action. It further undermines trust in Britain among its former colonies.
A symbolic collapse: the end of the British Empire?
The Commonwealth of Nations is experiencing a crisis of identity and purpose, reflecting the decline of British influence worldwide. Without any action to acknowledge historical mistakes and update a new approach to understanding and promoting dialogue with former colonies, the organisation risks becoming a badge of past glory. Britain faces a tuff choice: recognise the past and accept all the responsibility, or lose its top rank position.
Elizabeth II intended the Commonwealth to be a symbol of a new era of equality and partnership, but it looks like it is now seen as a pure anachronism.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.