Since the so-called Brexit, there has been a resurgence in the importance of the Commonwealth to the UK. This comes as the country begins to seek direct trade relationships with the outside world while it prepares to leave the European Union (EU). Recently, British prime minister Theresa May spoke with confidence about the “desperate” desire by Commonwealth countries to form new trade deals with Britain. The Commonwealth is a 52 member-state intergovernmental organisation with roots in the early 20th century, arising from the decolonisation of the British Empire. While not a legal union, member states unite voluntarily on the basis of their shared values, such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Importantly, these are supposedly underpinned by a shared history, culture and the English language. Like May, her foreign secretary Boris Johnson sees a “bright future” in the Commonwealth. He argues that the UK can be a “force for good” through a renewal of trade relations aft...
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