The Rise, Decline and Future of the British Commonwealth

Download or read book The Rise, Decline and Future of the British Commonwealth written by K. Srinivasan and published by Springer. This book was released on 2005-11-07 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by a senior Indian diplomat who has until recently also served as Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, this book provides a unique and far-reaching exploration of the British Commonwealth, and its impact since the second World War on the process of Britain adjusting to a world without Empire. Whither the Commonwealth now? What is its record of achievement; what are the benefits of membership to countries in terms of collective political influence, trade, investment, aid, travel and education? Can any practical good be envisaged for this nearly moribund post-colonial organization? Britain, which brought the association into being and is central to it, would have to play a key part in determining its future. But in coming to such decisions, the British Government faces great problems of perception, both from the Monarchy and the British public.