The Commonwealth in contemporary international relations. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDougall, Derek
• Is Part Of: Commonwealth & comparative politics. Volume 56:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 547
• Page End: 558
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Commonwealth -- international relations -- multilateralism -- small states; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Institutions politiques comparées -- Périodiques; 320.9171241
• DOI: 10.1080/14662043.2018.1514695
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-2043

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Commonwealth functions in contemporary international relations as a 'mini' version of multilateralism, encompassing issues of geopolitics, the global economy, climate change, and human rights and democracy. While essentially an organisation of developing countries, it also includes the United Kingdom and the 'old Dominions'. There is a particular focus on the role of small states, even though the Commonwealth also includes some very large developing countries. Apart from its global role, the Commonwealth can be significant in regional contexts where there is some concentration of Commonwealth members. The Commonwealth also has a role as a context for civil society organisations. The article provides an assessment of the role of the Commonwealth within these various settings.