Commonwealth Games commence in Glasgow
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to begin in Glasgow, bringing together athletes and supporters from 56 nations. This event follows closely after the FIFA World Cup, offering another opportunity for sports enthusiasts to witness elite athletic achievements. Australia has historically been the most successful nation in the event, which was first established as the British Empire Games in 1930.
The Games feature countries that were once part of the British Empire and now belong to the Commonwealth of Nations. Some observers question the significance of excelling in a competition that does not include major global powers such as the United States, Russia, and China.
Evolution of the Commonwealth
The British Empire, once the largest in history, controlled a significant portion of the world’s territory and population after the First World War. However, during the 19th century, several colonies, particularly white settler societies like those in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, began advocating for self-rule and democratic governance. Nova Scotia in Canada was the first colony to achieve responsible government in 1848, with others soon following suit.
The term “dominion” emerged in the early 20th century to describe self-governing nations within the British Empire, including Australia, Canada, the Irish Free State, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 declared these nations and Britain as “equal in status” and “united by a common allegiance to the Crown.” This was legally reinforced by the 1931 Statute of Westminster.
The modern Commonwealth began to take shape after the Second World War, as the British Empire underwent decolonisation. A pivotal moment occurred when India, after gaining independence in 1947, sought to remain a member despite becoming an independent republic. The London Declaration of April 27, 1949, removed the word “British” from the Commonwealth of Nations and eliminated the requirement of allegiance to the Crown, allowing republics like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to join as equal members.
This adaptability allowed the Commonwealth to grow, eventually including nations with no historical ties to the British Empire, such as Mozambique and Rwanda. Today, the majority of the 56 member states are republics. If allegiance to the British monarch had remained a condition, only 15 countries, primarily small island nations, would participate in the Commonwealth Games.
Purpose and future of the organisation
The Commonwealth of Nations functions neither as a trade bloc nor a defence alliance. It lacks the economic influence of groups like the G7 and does not represent a specific geographic region. Instead, it provides a forum for members with shared values to convene and discuss international matters.
The Singapore Declaration, established during the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Singapore in 1971, defined the Commonwealth‘s commitment to “promotion of international understanding and world peace.” Two decades later, the Harare Declaration of 1991 addressed racism, specifically opposing South Africa‘s apartheid system. In the 21st century, a formal Commonwealth Charter was adopted, outlining 16 core values that include democracy, human rights, environmentalism, gender equality, and recognition of small states’ needs.
While the Commonwealth possesses limited direct power, it does exert influence and has suspended members for violating its principles. South Africa withdrew in 1961 to avoid suspension, rejoining in 1994 after apartheid ended. Nigeria, Pakistan, and Fiji have also faced suspensions and subsequent reinstatements due to political instability.
The organisation is sometimes criticised as merely a forum for discussion, but this perspective overlooks its role in reinforcing international norms and providing a platform for leaders from diverse nations to address pressing issues and pursue common objectives. There were even reports in 2025 that President Donald Trump was interested in the United States joining the Commonwealth, which, if it occurred, would significantly alter the organisation’s influence and the medal count at future Commonwealth Games.
The Commonwealth‘s survival despite strong anti-colonial sentiment after the Second World War is attributed to its adaptability. Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953, described the Commonwealth as an “entirely new conception” that bore “no resemblance to the Empires of the past.” Although King Charles III serves as the symbolic head, there is no requirement for the British monarch to hold this position. A 2010 report, the Commonwealth Conversations final report, indicated greater enthusiasm for the organisation in developing countries compared to the older dominions, suggesting a future head of the Commonwealth could potentially come from Africa, Asia, or an island nation. The Commonwealth continues to operate, with its member nations seeking to leverage their shared history and commonalities to enhance trade, investment, and enterprise.
As the Games commence, Singaporean swimmer Gan Ching Hwee will be among those competing for medals.
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Source: theconversation.com
