Why is the Commonwealth Expanding?

In this video, we’re going to have a look at what the Commonwealth is, and why it’s actually expanding.

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[patrickstuart]

When the business is closed but the group chat still going

[xvct]

Algeria wanting to join the commonwealth as a final gotcha against France is pretty funny

[mildlydispleased]

A lot of the African countries that have joined did to to break ties from the French. Rwanda has undergone a massive anglicisation because the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (FPR) was exiled in Uganda after the country's independence.

The FPR invaded to stop the genocide and has since sought to replace the French language in schools, on road signs and within government. Partially because they saw the French as partially responsible for the genocide as they fled the country during its time of need, and because they wanted to shed their old colonial language imposed by the Belgians, but also because the largely Tutsi minority FPR ruling class which had picked up English while in exile wanted to ensure the French-speaking Hutu majority groups that had ruled the country in the lead-up to the genocide were put at a disadvantage.

Gabon and Algeria have also had very public falling-outs with the French as well.

[napoleonibonaparte]

The prelude to a Galactic Commonwealth.

[alexcovey]

I think people misunderstand the commonwealth. It is an association of states whose goals are freedom and peace. It is, not a throwback to empire but an acceptance of the fact that it did happen and whether you like the empire or not, it affected everyone.

Countries that joined even though they were never British colonies was because they approve of the ideals of the commonwelath. It gives countries that would otherwise be ignored a chance to converse with more powerful countries on an equal level.

[chiefbeef]

I love how the Commonwealth is basically the political equivalent of "if you're cool, you can hang out with us", its just a bunch of stable, friendly nations that get together and have a chat

Also, would just like to add that we're usually top 5 itw in sports, with only the 21st highest population, so yes we are objectively "amazing" at sports

[Militaria-prrj]

Newfoundland and New Zealand were given Dominion status in 1907; before South Africa.

[deathdrone]

Dominion of New Zealand being left out like the country is in maps

[pauldolman]

so its a networking hub that creates a common ground?

[SirWhig-esq.]

‘A Commonwealth of Nations’ was first called such by PM, Lord Rosebery when he was doing a tour of Australia in the 1880s.

[TheBlazingRedcoat]

The strength of the Commonwealth is perhaps the late Queen's greatest legacy. Great to see King Charles heading out for the CHOGM, especially pausing his cancer treatment to do so

[elibrahams]

I'm the (paraphrased) words of the leader of Rwanda, "the Commonwealth represents good government". This is especially true with regards to Africa, where many of the wealthiest and most stable countries (Like Botswana, Kenya, etc). are former British colonies.

[ABombs]

'pretend we're amazing at sports'. Did you forget we generally rank in the top 5 *in the world* Olympics?

[grantorino]

4:50

Mozambique 🇲🇿 was indeed the first Commonwealth country never to have had _any ties whatsoever_ to the British Empire. 🇬🇧


That said, Namibia 🇳🇦 and Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 (which both joined years earlier) were also never British colonies but rather _trust territories_ of South Africa 🇿🇦 and Australia 🇦🇺, respectively.

[Liam-urvf]

Guys, New Zealand became a dominion in 1907, Once again, we're missed out of history. Come on TLDR, do your research properly!

[waterboys]

I work in international finance and I have lived in the UK, US, India, Canada and Bermuda. I have done business in Hong Kong, the Caymans, Australia, Singapore, Pakistan, Singapore, and the UAE. These were all British-controlled with similar laws, and accounting and tax rules. Everybody in business speaks English. I set up a company in Mauritius to move money from India to the US and dealt with a British-qualified accountant, like me. It was done in a couple of hours. I have acquired public companies in Germany and Czechia. That was much harder because of the language barriers and the weird or non-existent rules. The EU is trying to re-create what the Commonwealth had, an integrated economic system. That has value to a lot of countries.

[lightmonkey]

Any group without the US, China, Russia, and the EU doesn't sound like a terrible idea

[INFINITY-oeis]

As a British man it is my honour to welcome all Commonwealth Nations!

[guillaumeroy]

Somaliland would be a great fit considering a shared history with most other members of the club and its strong adherence to the membership criteria and values of the organisation.

[snoopdoigg]

“Under Elizabeth the first, when settlers successfully set up a colony in Jamestown”…. Which was named after James VI/I who was king after Elizabeth I had died?