British Empire Expanding Its Influence in Africa, Spreading the Climate Gospel – Did It Rise?
Essay by Eric Worrall
Did I say “Empire”? Sorry, I meant to say the British “Commonwealth”…
Commonwealth ends summit with call to action on climate change and trade
The newly expanded Commonwealth has made broad commitments to tackle climate change and boost trade, concluding a summit aimed at increasing the relevance of a development group from the empire. Older brother.
Main attractions:
- African countries such as Gabon and Togo have been admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations
- The Australian delegation attended the meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles
- Controversial refugee deal between UK and host country Rwanda looms after summit
The week-long Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting in the Rwandan capital Kigali included comments from Britain’s Prince Charles expressing grief over his country’s role in the conflict. the transatlantic slave trade, the first time the Commonwealth addressed the subject publicly.
Prince Charles told the leaders: “I want to acknowledge that the roots of our contemporary association are deeply rooted in the most traumatic time in our history.
“I cannot describe the depth of my personal sadness at the suffering of so many people as I continue to deepen my understanding of the lasting impact of slavery.”
…
A Charter of the Land to Live states that Commonwealth countries will endeavor to implement previously signed international agreements such as the Paris climate agreement.
Patricia Scotland, who was re-elected during the summit as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, said: “We know we are in the red when it comes to climate change and member states Small members are facing a possible crisis.
…
Don’t underestimate Prince Charles’ influence on global climate issues.
The British Commonwealth has just expanded, now including French-speaking Gabon and Togo, which makes the French uneasy.
The main reason for the expansion is likely to be commercial opportunities. Although Britain is part of the European Union, it cannot cut off good trades with former colonies or members of the Commonwealth, as it must adhere to a common trade policy. of Europe. But now that Britain is, in theory, an independent actor, it has the potential to become part of Europe’s trade barriers. A better relationship with the UK is potentially a path to cheaper EU markets.
Do not underestimate the power of such commercial networks. The military phase of the British Empire more or less arose from a series of trade links – soldiers sent to guard distant trading posts eventually caused the emergence of an empire.
So why do I think this expansion, the apparent strength of the Commonwealth network, gives Prince Charles the opportunity to exercise and increase his global climate influence?
The royals in Britain, behind the scenes, remain quite powerful, through their exercise of soft power.
Prince Charles is known as a prolific letter writer, and there seems to be no qualms about rocking the boat to get his way. Classified many after title, knighthood and a variety of “Order of Garter“And who knows what else, is granted only after consulting the Royal Family. Kind of like the karate belt for civil servants and politicians, showing others how important they are, how much influence they have.
As Prince Charles gets closer to his coronation and assumes more royal duties, it means more and more that you need Prince Charles’ support – which means you have to impress him. with enthusiasm for your climate.
As more countries like Gabon and Togo are attracted to the Commonwealth, they are also likely to be seduced by Britain’s ladder of patronage, knighthood and international prestige, of which to a large extent You have to impress Prince Charles to get to the next ladder. . When politicians want to impress each other at Commonwealth meetings, they wear the rank of knighthood, etc… The range of British titles each guest can display is a demonstrate their importance.
Why any of this problem? When Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin once asked “How many divisions does the Pope have?”, he scoffed at the idea of power without armed force. But it was the Polish Catholic Solidarity movement that dealt a fatal blow to the Soviet Union, by highlighting its weakness to others yearning for freedom.
The Commonwealth consists of 56 countries and is developing, including Canada and Australia. Don’t underestimate the global importance of soft power influence for the Commonwealth.
Prince Charles is a climate man. I believe Prince Charles means well, but given his green fanaticism, I am concerned about expanding his apparent reach.
This just came out, UK police are investigating an alleged semi-honor scandal, people affiliated with one of Prince Charles’ charities are said to have offered to help wealthy donors secure royal honor. This may not mean much to people in the United States, but people with connections to the Commonwealth often seem willing to do extraordinary things in exchange for knighthoods and titles. other royals, such as giving millions of dollars if given the opportunity, or doing political favors for Britain or the royal family. This is a big broblem. As King, Prince Charles will have a lot of influence over who receives the title.
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