The Queen’s Passing and the End of the Commonwealth
by Vennisa Owusu-Barfi
Queen Elizabeth II’s passing has been symbolic of the end of an era and the post-colonial influence of the monarchy today. Though her reign largely saw the dissolution of the British Empire and the independence of 42 colonies, she remained the head of 14 states and served as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth.
Source: biography.com
The Commonwealth of Nations, or simply Commonwealth, is a voluntary association of 56 different states, each sharing former colonial ties to the United Kingdom. Though these countries were not legally obligated to stay, the Queen played an influential role in the continued unity and existence of the organization.1 However, it has become increasingly apparent that the newly-crowned monarch, King Charles III, lacks the Queen’s ability and influence in keeping the Commonwealth intact. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the Commonwealth, though beneficial for trade between these countries,2 has become highly redundant and problematic.
Furthermore, the role of the monarchy in the perpetuation and profit from the Atlantic Slave Trade has been brought to the spotlight after the Queen’s passing. Many commonwealth nations in the Caribbean like Jamaica and Bahamas for example, have witnessed a rise in protests against the monarchy and the extravagant spending on the Queen’s funeral due to the monarchy’s role in the Slave Trade on these islands. The Bahamas in particular, is currently planning on holding a referendum to begin its transition from a British subject to an independent republic; Australia, Belize and others have raised the possibility of following suit. 3
Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
The Commonwealth has largely stood as a symbol of neo-imperialism and soft colonialism where nations were not directly colonized by the British Empire, but rather were deeply influenced in an indirect manner. Though these nations are independent, they are bound in a quasi-empire manner where they speak the same language (English), participate in the Commonwealth Games, share political systems and even have a Commonwealth anthem and symbol. This creates a problematic dynamic where nations even after independence are not allowed to develop their unique sense of identity without being tied to the vestiges of colonization.4
Flag of the Commonwealth
Source: istockphoto.com
It also places the United Kingdom in a position of influence rather like the pre-independence era just like France in La Francophonie and Portugal in the Lusophone Commonwealth. Thus, a greater emphasis should be placed on geocentric organizations like ECOWAS for West African States (English, French and Portuguese speaking combined) as they share a greater commonality of experience than with their former colonial masters and can benefit from a shared sense of development rather than the power play commonly seen between European countries and their former colonies.
Organizations like the Commonwealth can be important in facilitating trade and providing support to nations as they navigate the murky waters of decolonization and nation building. However, it becomes problematic when these systems are clear remnants of neocolonialism and prevent nations from creating their unique identities post-independence.
Sources:
About Us. Commonwealth. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us
One more step. archive.ph. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://archive.ph/20130415225827/http://www.thecommonwealth.org/news/190628/163075/147476/valletta_statement_on_multilateral_trade.htm
NBCUniversal News Group. (2022, September 16). Commonwealth looks set to shrink after Queen's death, under Charles. NBCNews.com. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/commonwealth-queen-elizabeth-death-king-charles-rcna47928
Mackinnon, A. (2022, September 13). Can the Commonwealth outlive its greatest champion? Foreign Policy. Retrieved September 24, 2022, from https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/09/13/queen-elizabeth-death-commonwealth-britain/