Commonwealth of Nations
Former empire's successor
The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of countries, most of which were formerly part of the British Empire.
Member states share historical ties to Britain but are independent and equal.
The British monarch serves as ceremonial head.
The Commonwealth promotes democracy, human rights, and economic cooperation among its fifty-plus members, from Canada to India to small island nations: Several Caribbean nations remain in the Commonwealth.
Vast colonial domain
- decolonizationEnding imperial control
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-governanceIndependent management of affairs
- colonialOf occupied territories
postcolonial · dominion · Queen Elizabeth II · King Charles III · partition · sovereignty · imperial · territories
Including multiple ethnic traditions
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- pluralismCoexistence of differing views
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
cross-cultural · small island states · developing nations · cultural exchange · shared history · English language
Countries within a union
- rotating chairSeat turning on base
- voluntary associationGroup joined by choice
- intergovernmentalBetween or among governments
- heads of governmentChief national political leaders
Senior diplomatic representative
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- multilateralInvolving multiple parties
- foreign policyInternational relations strategy
protocol · negotiation · diplomatic immunity · communiqué · envoy · treaty · statecraft · soft power
Prior authoritative example
- jurisprudencePhilosophy governing legal systems
- barristerUK courtroom advocate
- solicitorDocument-drafting legal professional
- court systemNetwork of tribunals
Rule by the people
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- rule of lawSupremacy of established laws
- good governanceAccountable, transparent institutional management
- equalitySame status for all
freedom · tolerance · inclusivity · development · sustainability · peace · civil society · gender equality
British Empire
Vast colonial domain
- decolonizationEnding imperial control
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-governanceIndependent management of affairs
colonial · postcolonial · dominion · Queen Elizabeth II · King Charles III · partition · sovereignty · imperial · territories · protectorate
multicultural
Including multiple ethnic traditions
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- pluralismCoexistence of differing views
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
traditions · cross-cultural · small island states · developing nations · cultural exchange · shared history · English language
member states
Countries within a union
- rotating chairSeat turning on base
- voluntary associationGroup joined by choice
- intergovernmentalBetween or among governments
high commissioner
Senior diplomatic representative
- summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- multilateralInvolving multiple parties
foreign policy · protocol · negotiation · diplomatic immunity · communiqué · envoy · treaty · statecraft · soft power · election observers
precedent
Prior authoritative example
- jurisprudencePhilosophy governing legal systems
- barristerUK courtroom advocate
- solicitorDocument-drafting legal professional
democracy
Rule by the people
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- rule of lawSupremacy of established laws
- good governanceAccountable, transparent institutional management
equality · freedom · tolerance · inclusivity · development · sustainability · peace · civil society · gender equality · transparency
- Political BlocsEU, European Union, NATO alliance, Soviet Union, bloc
- Regional BlocsEU, European Union, ASEAN, African Union, NAFTA
Commonwealth of NationsBritish Empire
Vast colonial domain
colonial empire · British Raj · imperial system · colonial rule · empire
Commonwealth of NationsEuropean Union
Continental political-economic federation
Soviet Union · federal union · NATO · Warsaw Pact · United Nations
common, wealth, nation, national, commonwealth, Commonwealth