The modern commonwealth-a critique

THE MODERN COMMONWEALTH-A CRITIQUE

 

 

 

 

 

LUKPATA, VICTOR IKONG (Ph.D)

 

 

ABSTRACT

At its height in the early 20th century the British Empire included about one quarter of the World’s population and land surface. Emerging gradually from its 16th century beginnings in separate commercial ventures, it rapidly expanded into a loose union of varied sovereignties during the European colonizing competition of the 19th century. By mid 20th century most of its territories had gained independence, and the empire had evolved into the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of equal and autonomous states loyal to the British Crown and enjoying special trade interest.

Lord Durham’s Report on the Affairs of British North America (1839) probably marked the start of the self-government involvement that evolved into the present structure of the Commonwealth of Nations and the disavowal of an imperial mercantile philosophy. The British North American Act (1867) and the forming of an Australian Federation (1901) changed the status of Canada and Australia from colony to virtually autonomous dominion. British overseas territories convened the 1926 imperial conference that drafted the statute of Westminster (1931) formally initiating the Commonwealth of Nations. This charter guaranteed all member nations equal status with Great Britain.

However the modern Commonwealth can be traced to April 1949 when it was invented to replace the original “British” Commonwealth of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It has now grown to cover 54 countries and its members reflect every region, religion, creed and race on the global scale. There are also a number of countries still knocking on the Commonwealth’s door. Mozambique, a Portuguese Colony for centuries, recently joined and Rwanda, Yeoman, Palestine, Cambodia all also want to fly the Commonwealth flag.

The focus of this paper is on the critique of the modern Commonwealth.

 

MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS

◊    The Official language of all member nations of the Commonwealth is English.

◊    Member nations adopt some British values and ideas including the Common law.

◊    High Commissioners are exchanged between member nations of the Commonwealth.

◊    The British monarch is the head of the Commonwealth.

◊    Member nations participate in Commonwealth games and sports.

◊    There is co-operation among member-nations in the fields of science, law, medicine, international affairs, trade and finance.

◊    Members subscribe to personnel and funds for the Commonwealth Secretariat and other organs of the body.

PROBLEMS FACING THE COMMONWEALTH

The organization is bogged down with many problems some of which are indicated hereunder:

There is a growing tendency among the Commonwealth members to look elsewhere for support and strength. For example, during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-70, Nigeria relied on U.S.S.R. for the supply of arms to execute the war.

Mutual differences between the members of the Commonwealth have further weakened the organization. For example the differences between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and the British support to Pakistan created friction among these members. By way of flash back, the Kashmir question, which led to conflict between India and Pakistan was brought before the Security Council by the representative of India in January, 1948 on the plea that the situation in Kashmir posed a threat and danger to the international peace and security. India complained that tribesmen were being encouraged and assisted by the Pakistan government to invade Kashmir. Pakistan not only denied the charges of India but also pleaded that the accession of Kashmir to India was illegal. She brought forward a number of counter allegations against India. After hearing the both parties, the Security Council passed a resolution calling upon them to improve the situation. United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan was formed for the investigation of the situation on the spot. Likewise, Malaysia’s non-support to Pakistan during the Indo-Park struggle of 1965 led to Pakistan snapping ties with Malaysia, in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 which led to the creation of independent Bangla Desh. When a large number of Commonwealth Countries accorded recognition to Bangla Desh, Pakistan withdrew from the Commonwealth as a protest. Similarly in 1961, the Afro-Asian members of Commonwealth forced South Africa to give up her membership because of her policy of apartheid. The unilateral Declaration of independence by the illegal I an Smith Government of Rhodesia in November, 1965 gave rise to bitterness between Britain and Rhodesia, and ultimately led to Rhodesia’s withdrawal from Commonwealth.

Of late Britain has become a member of the European Common Market (January 1, 1973). This has naturally meant some loosening of all bounds like Commonwealth preferences. This caused particular concern to countries like India and New Zealand for whom Britain has been a major export market. By virtue of membership of European Economic Commission (E.E.C.) Britain will have to conform to the trade policies jointly devised by the members of the enlarged common market. All this proves the assertion of Professor Palmer and Perkins right:

“In spite of the continued collaboration, however, it is not well with the commonwealth. Its bonds have definitely weakened and its future is uncertain”.

Another problem facing the organization is that the Commonwealth has no charter like that of the United Nations Organization (UNO) and organization of African Unity (African Union). Therefore there are no standard rules to regulate the governing or operations of the organization.

Member states no longer grant free movement to immigrants from other member countries. This situation has negative impact on bilateral relationship of member states.

Many member states belong to other international organizations and this creates divided loyalty. For example, the preferential tariffs agreed upon by member states of Commonwealth no longer obtain with the formation of different economic blocs in the international system. Britain herself is presently more committee to the European Economic Community (EEC) than to the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth had no power and machinery to compel member states to comply with its decisions and resolutions”. This of course is a serious problem that tares the organization on its face.

Member states formulate different-foreign policies as dictated by their-national interests and sometimes in opposition to the Common position of the Commonwealth.

 

A CRITIQUE OF COMMONWEALTH

Critics allege that the Commonwealth is a colonial relic, a neo-imperial conspiracy and nothing but a collection of not very important states brought together by accident of having been colonized by Britain.

Others claim that it is a toothless bulldog and a mere talking shop which has helped Britain to slowly come to terms with its loss of empire.

Taking the above criticism into consideration it becomes necessary to ask the pertinent question, is the Commonwealth a pointless neo-colonial taking shop that achieves nothing in the World today? The BBC online Network creates a channel for us to read more of what the critics are saying as documented hereunder:

What is common about the commonwealth countries is the fact that Imperial Britain robbed them blind and they are apparently still blind to see that the commonwealth exists today only because it serves the interests of the British government. (John Oluwalogbon, Nigeria).

It is no secret that the British Commonwealth is worthless even to Britain. Nor is it a secret that Britain will always choose its NATO allies over its Commonwealth nations. When will the so called Republics in the Commonwealth finally start living up to their billing as Republics and stop chasing that withered old hag, Britain. (Emaka J. Amnze, Esq. Nigeria)

The Commonwealth is an Entity that is here to stay. It is only time that will measure it achievements. Be reminded that there is freedom to join or quit. There is no donkey being forced to drink water by the commonwealth in this era. It might be a good idea to look for some place else to vent your anger and frustrations. (Yokana Osire, USA.).

Commonwealth is not a talking shop. It can be an important organ and effective weapon to dealing with dictators, such as demonic late Sani Abacha and this current Pakistant strongman who woke up and overthrew the people’s democracy. However, there is much politics involved in their decisions. (Dr. Kienuwa Obaseki, Nigeria).

The organization has continued to stay idle even as some countries are going backwards in term of democratization and the respect for basic human rights. The organization does not seem to have defined its row in the affairs of its member countries. In some countries we are reaching a stage where we are afraid to criticize even the obvious corrupt and selfish tendencies of the people in government. There is so much tyranny in these countries to the extent that we shall start denying ourselves its citizenship because of the much irreversible actions going on. It’s even much better now to live in another country than in your own country. Very shameful indeed (Kennedy Chama, Zambia).

The commonwealth consists predominantly of developing countries and underdeveloped countries. What other forum is there where they can be represented with an element of respect-the UN? I’m afraid the UN is becoming more and more concentrated on US and European issues, and appears to have been altered into a powerful political engine-but we all know where these machines head!

Commonwealth countries should bow their heads and acknowledge with thanks the input of the UK, and the UK should bow their heads and thank their former colonies for the historical inputs they’ve had-British subjects can sign to their  heats content that Britain never shall be slaves, but don’t forget who put you into that position-two small examples – World war II and the participation of soldiers from former colonies can be and should be thanked for their sacrifice-countries that had nothing compared to the UK were willing to sacrifice even the little they did for her sovereignty-the second (more commercial) example is that of the crown jewels which consists mainly of gems from inside of the Commonwealth, but outside of the UK-gifts not purchases! (Sipho, South Africa).

The commonwealth by its literal definition is an insult to Africa. Africa has been ripped off for so many centuries that not only should Queen Elizabeth apologies for her inhumane treatment of Africa and Africans to the damage the British Empire cause Africa. It was Queen Elizabeth and the British government that refuse the imposition of economic sanction on South Africa during apartheid. Africans fought in the first and second world wars, wars African had nothing to do with, those war veterans have never been justly compensated. If I have it my way all African countries will cut off ties with the commonwealth until African is given her dues. If the British government would apologies to the Irish people for incidents that happened 400 hundred years ago why not apologies for the brutalities, the savagery demonstrated against Africa. We can’t just let things go bye as if they never took place. I think the British people have a good heart and I am sure they will agree with me on these points. It is coming to year 2000, please have it in your conscience and beg for our forgiveness, Africa is always forgiving (Max, Gambia).

I am Indian living in the USA for the past three decades. The meeting of the Commonwealth Nations was never mentioned in any of the leading newspapers of this country or even the CNN news shown in this country. Pakistan could not care less even if it is expelled. As a forum it may be a good idea. Basically, it is toothless. (Srinivasa Rao Sanagavarapu, USA).

This Commonwealth resembles the post-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States: big proclamations with nothing to back them. The only difference is that nobody celebrates the power of Russia in CIS (Andrej, Russia).

Being in the Commonwealth is of very little apparent use to Canada. We have become a completely different country in the past 30 years. Most of our citizens have no links to the UK. I believe that the UK should link more with Europe, Canada with the US & Mexico. Africa countries should set up their own Commonwealth, as should the Australasian countries. It makes far more sense this way than to keep links to the colonial past. Times change. Countries who are still trying to join the Commonwealth are poor and hope to become richer by joining (Barbara Whitford, Canada).

I do not think it is a pointless talking zone. I am of Nigeria origin and this country has benefited from it’s association with this club. It puts pressure on dictatorial leaders when they go overboard with their corrupt, power drunk attitudes towards their citizens. A recent case study is what happened in Nigeria a few years back. The Commonwealth acts as a sort of leverage to its members on the international platform and I am proud that Nigeria is still a member (Neneh Iionah, England).

It is an utterly useless forum lead by a defunct England, perhaps better suited for retired nannies to fritter away their time indulging in useless talk and nostalgic remembrances of lost British glory (Arun R. USA).

Although I am a fervent Australian Republican I still see a place for the Commonwealth in Australia’s future. This unique group of like-cultured nations, built upon history is an influential and well-respected society throughout the world. Whilst it may be suggested that the modern Commonwealth is simply a symbol of bygone English pride, I believe that it is a mature society, which sets a good example for other international organizations. (Matthew Burke, An Australian in the Netherlands).

Whenever I see the words Commonwealth or French Africa, I am reminded of another words ‘neo-colonialism’. The irony of it all is that, while our forefathers fought against western control, it seems that today Africans are willingly helping their former colonial masters gain control of our beloved continent (Matthew Okem, Nigeria).

Useless talking shop? Of course it is and Ken Saro Wiwa’s death proved it. Where was the concerted action after that event? More and more and more blah blah (Emmy, England).

Well, it is hard to assert that the Commonwealth brings democracy, stability, wealth, and peace to its members. It clearly does not do that, but such was not its purpose anyway. I’m not sure what it does – if anything – but it is certainly more affordable and less objectionable than the British Empire (Rath Andor, USA).

 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the problems of the modern Commonwealth are the tendency among the member states to look elsewhere for support and strength, mutual differences between the members of the Commonwealth, British membership of EEC, the inability of Commonwealth organization to have a charter, lack of free mobility to immigrants from other member countries, attitude of some members who do not recognize the British Crown as the Head of the organization, membership of member states in other international organizations, lack of machinery for implementation of the organizations’ resolutions, and the fact that members have different foreign policies in accordance with their nations’ national interest. Above all, critics see the body as a symbolism of neo-colonialism.

 

 

WORKS CITED

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica Vol.II.

The University of Chicago,

 

B.B.C. Online Network, BBC World Service: News and Information for Africa.

 

L.N. Srivastva. International Relations from 1914 to Present Day.

Delhi: Surjeet Book Depot), 1984.

 

BBC Online Network, BBC World Service: News and information for Africa.

 

Norman Palme, Howard Perkins. International Relations.

A.I.T.B.S. Publishers & Distributors, Krishan Nagar, Delhi, 2007.

About the Author

LUKPATA, VICTOR IKONG (Ph.D)

E-Mail: victorlukpata@rocketmail.com

08059813098, 08133759769

BIODATA

Date of Birth:                                     4th July, 1968

Sex:                                                       Male

Marital status:                                   Married

Nationality:                                         Nigerian

State of Origin:                                  Cross River

Local Govt. Area:                              Yala

Senatorial Destrict:                          Northern

Home Town:                                      Obat Wanihem North Ukele

Contact Address:                             23 Grace land Close,

Unical  Satellite Town, Calabar.

ACADEMIC RECORD

DATE

INSTITUTION

QUALIFICATION

2003-2008

University of Calabar

Ph.D. History and Int’l Studies

2000-2003

Imo State University, Owerri

M.Sc. Int’l Affairs and Diplomacy

1995-1999

University of Calabar

B.Sc. (Hons) Public Administration

1987-1989

S.B.S. Akamkpa

IJMB “A Level”

1978-1983

Sec. Gram. Sch. Wanokom

WASC

1972-1978

Primary School, Iwango Idah

FSLC

WORK EXPERIENCE

1996-2004

Cross River State Government:

 

Administrative Officer

2004-2008

Cross River State Government:

Ministry of Health, Calabar

Hospital Administrator

2006-2010

CES, UNICAL

Part Time Lecturer

2008-Date

Management Development Institute, Calabar

Management Development Officer/Principal Admin. Officer

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES (LUTHERAN HOSPITAL YEHE/GOVERNMENT DENTAL HOSPITAL, CALABAR 2005-DATE)

1.            Hospital Management Committee           -              Secretary

2.            Drug Committee                                              -              Member

3.            Finance and Supply Committee                 -              Member

4.            Sanitation Committee                                    -              Secretary

5.            Disciplinary Committee                                 -              Secretary

6.            Quality Improvement Committee            -              Member

7.            Patient Consultative Committee                               -              Secretary

8.            Emergency Preparedness Committee    -              Member

9.            Waste Management Committee                              -              Member

HOSPITAL MEETINGS

1.            Administration Meetings                              -              Secretary

2.            Heads of Department Meeting                  -              Secretary

3.            General Staff Meeting                                   -              Secretary

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

1.            Ukelle Progressive Association, Calabar-Secretary (1997-2006)

POSITION IN CHURCH (BCCM

1.            Men Fellowship (Group 4)                           -              Treasurer 2008-Date

2.            BCCM                                                                    -              Usher 2010-Date

PUBLICATIONS

Lukpata, Victor (2011) –http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/paradigm-for-analysis-of-nigerias-foreign-policy-4691993.html

Lukpata, Victor (2011) –http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/national-interest-acase-of-philosophical-inconsistency-4692161.html

Lukpata, Victor (2011) –http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/national-interest-and-national-development-4691192.html

Lukpata, Victor (2011) –http:www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/the-revenue-allocation-formular-in-nigeria-a-continuous-search-4737325.html

Lukpata, Victor (2011) –http://www.articalesbase.com/international-studies-articles/the-politics-of-revenue-allocation-in-nigeria-1958-1968-4737387.html

Tonya Frichner about the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples