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What next for the Commonwealth?

Will Queen Elizabeth’s death accelerate a push to address the past and change the Commonwealth?

The Queen was seen as a unifying force in the Commonwealth. With her death, will the organisation re-invent itself for the next generation, or fade away? Questions are being asked about whether the Commonwealth is a neo-colonial project and what it can actually do for its members. Others argue that while the Commonwealth has its roots in empire, it is a crucial forum for smaller countries to amplify their voice and work with more powerful allies. We'll look at what the Commonwealth is for and what challenges lie ahead for King Charles III as he takes the helm. What would change if the organisation ceased to exist and what does it mean for Britain's place in the world?

Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.

Producers: Ellen Otzen and Zak Brophy

Available now

49 minutes

Last on

Sat 24 Sep 2022 14:06GMT

Contributors

Dr Njoki Wamai - Assistant Professor in politics and international relations at the United States International University-Africa in Kenya.

Dr Cindy McCreery - Senior lecturer at the University of Sydney,Ìýspecialising inÌýmonarchy and decolonisation.

Vijay Krishnarayan -ÌýFormer head of the Commonwealth's Agency for civil society, The Commonwealth Foundation,Ìýfrom 2012-2019. Now an independent consultant.

Also featuring:

Floyd Green - Jamaican politician and Minister Without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister

Lord David Howell - Former Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Chairman of the Commonwealth Societies Association

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Image

Flagbearers participate in the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in central London, on March 12, 2018.

Credit: PAUL GROVER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Broadcasts

  • Fri 23 Sep 2022 09:06GMT
  • Fri 23 Sep 2022 23:06GMT
  • Sat 24 Sep 2022 03:06GMT
  • Sat 24 Sep 2022 14:06GMT

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