The consequences of this for a revival in interest in the meaning and role of the Commonwealth are significant. There has been a period of rejection, perhaps necessary. But we can look to what has endured from the past without being hidebound to it. We used to hear much talk of the global village. Now we tend to hear about the information superhighway, the New World Order and the global economy.
International networks are the order of the day.
Yet we still have international conflict, gigantic economic imbalances, poverty and starvation, together with political tyranny and consequent instability. Historical and family links are the glue of international co-operation and stability. The Commonwealth has these links. It has them in abundance, and they must be made use of. Britain decided in 1972 to throw in its economic lot with the European Economic Community or EEC as it was then called.