The West, the Anglo-Sphere and the Ideal of Commonwealth

Authors

Gregory C. Melleuish, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

29495

Publication Details

Melleuish, G. C. 2009, 'The West, the Anglo-Sphere and the Ideal of Commonwealth', Australian Journal of Politics and History, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 233-247.

Abstract

This article considers the idea of commonwealth as a means of understanding human “politics” that does not rely on the violence of the state. It considers the idea of commonwealth to involve cultural and other forms of ties that transcend the borders of states and link people who share common views and aspirations together. It examines two contemporary visions of commonwealth, that of the West and that of the Anglo-sphere. It argues that the sorts of bonds that these commonwealths entail are positive so long as they are recognised as embodying both strengths and weaknesses and are not used as means to attempt to demonstrate the supposed superiority of their virtues.