British foreign policy-makers have long appreciated our relationships with strategically important nations and organisations, such as the United States and NATO. However, as the balance of global power is shifting, Britain must draw upon the Commonwealth, which has been considered one of its most valuable soft power assets, in new and more robust ways. By recognising the strategic, defensive, and economic importance of the organisation, there arises the possibility of codifying and strengthening collective security measures in an uncertain and growing multi-polar world order.
In an interconnected world where security challenges transcend borders, the concept of collective security has become paramount in shaping effective defence and security policy. For the United Kingdom, a nation deeply rooted in its historical ties and shared values within the Commonwealth, leveraging collective security initiatives offers a pathway to enhance regional stability, promote peace, and safeguard common interests across member states.
The Commonwealth, an association which comprises 56 diverse nations spanning across several continents, represents a unique platform for fostering collective security cooperation among its members. United by shared history and principles, Commonwealth countries are ideally positioned to collaborate on a range of security challenges, from terrorism and transnational crime, to regional conflicts and humanitarian crises. Central to collective security within the Commonwealth is the principle of mutual assistance and cooperation in times of need. Through mechanisms such as the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, member states can engage in dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution efforts to address emerging security threats and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.1 By leveraging its convening power and diplomatic influence, the Commonwealth provides a forum for building consensus, fostering trust, and enhancing regional stability.
One of the key strengths of collective security initiatives within the Commonwealth is their ability to harness diverse capabilities and expertise from member states to address shared security challenges. Whether through joint military exercises, intelligence sharing agreements, or capacity-building programmes, Commonwealth countries can pool resources and coordinate efforts to combat common threats more effectively. By fostering interoperability and cooperation among defence and security forces, the Commonwealth strengthens the collective resilience of its members and enhances their ability to respond to evolving security dynamics.2 This may become more necessary in a world where the post-war, American-led, rules-based order is disintegrating, and Britain’s enemies are themselves becoming proactive in forging their own collective security arrangements, albeit in Eurasia or the Middle East.3
Moreover, collective security initiatives within the Commonwealth contribute to broader efforts to promote peace and stability in regions facing protracted conflicts or instability. Through initiatives such as the Commonwealth Peacebuilding Initiative and the Commonwealth Election Observers Group, member states can support conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts, helping to build resilient societies and prevent the recurrence of violence.4 By championing inclusive and sustainable peace processes, the Commonwealth plays a crucial role in advancing global peace and security.
The Commonwealth also serves as a platform for promoting adherence to international law, human rights, and democratic principles which are essential pillars of collective security. For example, leaders of Commonwealth nations whose countries have witnessed violence spawning out of regional instability, such as Paul Kagame of Rwanda, have spoken at the biennial CHOGM emphasising the Commonwealth’s potential to support international law and multilateral cooperation.5 By upholding shared values and norms, member states can work together to address threats to democracy, governance, and human rights within and beyond their borders. Through initiatives such as the Commonwealth Charter and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, the Commonwealth demonstrates its commitment to promoting respect for fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, and good governance, thereby arguably contributing to the maintenance of peace and security worldwide.
However, collective security within the Commonwealth is not without its challenges and limitations. Historical legacies, geopolitical rivalries, and divergent interests among member states can sometimes hinder cooperation and consensus-building efforts. Consider the Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979). The Commonwealth was deeply divided over the issue of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and its unilateral declaration of independence in 1965 by the white minority government. African and Asian Commonwealth countries pushed for tougher sanctions and more direct intervention, while the UK and other western members were more cautious, reflecting historical ties and geopolitical considerations.6 Moreover, the Commonwealth’s effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges depends on the willingness of its members to commit resources, share information, and engage in collective action. Overcoming these challenges requires sustained political will, dialogue, and leadership from all stakeholders to strengthen the Commonwealth’s role as a force for collective security and stability in the 21st century.
Collective security initiatives within the Commonwealth can offer a valuable framework for enhancing regional stability, promoting peace, and safeguarding common interests among member states. By leveraging its diverse membership, diplomatic networks, and shared values, the Commonwealth can play a crucial role in addressing emerging security threats, resolving conflicts, and advancing global peace and security. As the world continues to face complex security challenges, the Commonwealth remains a steadfast partner in the pursuit of collective security and collective prosperity for all its members.
Bailey Schwab is a final year PhD student at York St. John University. His main interest is U.S. foreign policy and the role of presidential doctrines in legitimising and delegitimizing foreign policy choices. His work has been published in numerous journals and his most recently co-authored book, Ronald Reagan’s 1984, looked at the expansion of executive power in the realm of national security after its curtailment during the 1970s.
1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group ‘assesses violations of Commonwealth values and recommends measures to restore democracy and constitutional rule.’ See: ‘Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’ - https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-ministerial-action-group
2. Derek McDougall, ‘AUKUS: A Commonwealth Perspective,’ The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs 112:6 (2023), pp. 567-581.
3. Mohamed Amersi, ‘The Special Relationship is Dead: Bring Back British Statecraft,’ Foreign Policy Research Institute (February 22nd, 2024) - https://www.fpri.org/article/2024/02/the-special-relationship-is-dead-bring-back-british-statecraft/
4. Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, ‘CPC Workshop D: Youth Roundtable – Role of the Commonwealth in international security and peacebuilding,’ Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - https://www.cpahq.org/66-cpc/cpc-workshops/workshop-d-youth-roundtable/
5. President Kagame’s Opening Speech for CHOGM 2022 (24th June, 2022) - https://thecommonwealth.org/news/president-kagames-opening-speech-chogm-2022#:~:text=Everything%20we%20do%2C%20including%20joining,I%20thank%20you
6. Hugh Pattenden, ‘Britain and the Rhodesian Mercenary Issue, c. 1970-1980,’ The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 49:4 (2021), pp. 777-804.
Bibliography
Amersi, Mohamed. ‘The Special Relationship is Dead: Bring Back British Statecraft.’ Foreign Policy Research Institute (February 22nd, 2024) - https://www.fpri.org/article/2024/02/the-special-relationship-is-dead-bring-back-british-statecraft/
The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group ‘assesses violations of Commonwealth values and recommends measures to restore democracy and constitutional rule.’ See: ‘Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group’ - https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-ministerial-action-group
Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, ‘CPC Workshop D: Youth Roundtable – Role of the Commonwealth in international security and peacebuilding,’ Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - https://www.cpahq.org/66-cpc/cpc-workshops/workshop-d-youth-roundtable/
President Kagame’s Opening Speech for CHOGM 2022 (24th June, 2022) - https://thecommonwealth.org/news/president-kagames-opening-speech-chogm-2022#:~:text=Everything%20we%20do%2C%20including%20joining,I%20thank%20you.
McDougall, Derek. ‘AUKUS: A Commonwealth Perspective.’ The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs 112:6 (2023), pp. 567-581.
Pattenden, Hugh. ‘Britain and the Rhodesian Mercenary Issue, c. 1970-1980.’ The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History 49:4 (2021), pp. 777-804.