The Commonwealth consists of only a quarter of the world’s states and yet the Commonwealth Secretariat and Foundation have made and continue to make a significant contribution to global politics. Commonwealth is a superb examination of an often neglected but crucial force in world affairs. Timothy M. Shaw; explains the history, structure and future of the Commonwealth demonstrates the central role that the Commonwealth has played in advancing decolonization and supporting multiculturalism, democracy and human rights details the significant links between Commonwealth institutions and myriad networks concerned with education, development, gender, health, islands, literature, media and sport examines the Commonwealth within the context of wider debates about ‘global’ governance and globalization.
The inter-state and non-state Commonwealth networks are rather unknown features of contemporary 'global governance' yet they play a key part in supporting it. This is a fascinating exploration of these crucial webs of influence and power.
