The death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom signifies not only the end of an era for the British monarchy but also a significant shift for the 14 Commonwealth realms. Over which, she reigned as the Head of State. The socio-economic landscape of these 14 countries has seen significant transformations since her passing, with several nations expressing their desire to break away from their historical ties with the British monarchy.
Background: The Plunge Towards Republicanism
There has been growing debate among the 14 realms about establishing republics as opposed to continuing under the monarchy. A republic is a form of government where the supreme power is vested in the people and their elected representatives. In light of this, it is predicted that more nations will likely follow Barbados’ example during King Charles III’s reign, Queen’s successor. In 2021, Barbados became the 18th nation to remove the British monarch as the head of state, opting instead for a national government functionary.
The Commonwealth: An Overview
The Commonwealth of Nations consists of 56 countries, primarily former colonies of Britain. Established by the London Declaration in 1949, member nations are predominantly found in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. European members include Cyprus, Malta, and the U.K. Developed nations within the Commonwealth consist of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The Commonwealth is divided into Republics and Realms, with the British monarch serving as the Head of State for the Realms, while the republics are governed by their elected governments.
Commonwealth’s Relevance in Contemporary Times
Despite arguments asserting its obsolescence following the death of the queen, the Commonwealth maintains its relevance. In an age of multilateral diplomacy, countries seek a forum through which they can express their views, advance their interests, and shape global norms. The Commonwealth serves precisely this purpose. It functions not simply through the monarch, who is only a symbolic head, but through the cooperative efforts of global leaders. Queen Elizabeth played a crucial role throughout her reign in maintaining the organization’s relevance, often meeting with leaders from member nations.
The Future of The Commonwealth
With significant changes on the horizon, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Bahamas leaning towards becoming republics, the Commonwealth realms could potentially transform into relics of the past following Queen Elizabeth’s death. Furthermore, governments from five Caribbean nations have indicated their intent to follow suit. These nations are seeking to break away from their colonial pasts, marked by violence and resource extraction, by establishing themselves as independent republics.
Understanding Commonwealth Through UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions
A better understanding of the Commonwealth can be achieved through previously asked questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. For example, Cripps Mission headed by Sir Stafford Cripps was sent by the British government in 1942 to secure India’s cooperation in World War II. The proposal suggested that India would be given a Dominion status associated with the United Kingdom. However, the talks ultimately failed, leading to the launch of the Quit India Movement.
Another question from 2010 tested the candidates’ understanding of the Commonwealth’s structure, highlighting that it has no charter, treaty, or constitution. Membership in the Commonwealth is voluntary, and not all former colonies of the British Empire automatically join the Commonwealth as its members.