Donald Trump has plans to redefine the political landscape of the world. His vision is for smaller countries, such as possibly Greenland, Ukraine, and Taiwan, to become more aligned with their regional superpowers as the US, Russia, and China expand their spheres of influence.
A challenging reality underpins this potential new world order, especially if democratic principles, national independence, co-existence, respect for borders, and basic human rights for all nations, regardless of size, are pushed aside. Essentially, this vision is based on the notion that might is right. Donald Trump champions the US as the most powerful nation and is dedicated to making America great again, both domestically and internationally.
This approach poses serious concerns for a mid-sized post-imperial power like the United Kingdom. The leaders of Britain’s three major political parties have refrained from publicly expressing any reservations about the intentions of the Trump administration. However, it appears that all three parties—Labour, the Conservatives, and Reform UK—have decided that conformity is the best way to engage with the new administration.
This phenomenon extends to the potential for the US to become an associate member of the Commonwealth. Donald Trump has welcomed this idea, posting on Truth Social that he likes King Charles and the proposal sounds intriguing to him. However, no formal invitation has been issued, and “associate” membership does not formally exist within the Commonwealth. Any change would require consensus among all 56 member countries.
Stranger things have happened and could happen again now that Trump is back in the White House. An initial approach might involve membership in the Royal Commonwealth Society, not the Commonwealth itself.
The Starmer government seems to be taking an approach of not criticizing the Trump administration. Despite the US making territorial claims on Canada and British officials expressing aggressive sentiments towards European “freeloaders,” the government has surprisingly remained friendly towards the US, rejecting closer ties with Europe. There is speculation this government might offer further inducements to the US, such as increased participation in the Commonwealth, potentially degrading the UK’s integrity.
Trump might view any such agreement with the Commonwealth as a victory where he equals the King and sets the stage to reshape the organization with the so-called “White Commonwealth” in the driver’s seat. Ethno-nationalist supporters in the US and the UK may favor this vision. However, such a move would compromise the principles of democracy, sovereignty, and international cooperation.
Critics argue that inviting Trump into the Commonwealth risks undermining the nation’s unity and integrity. The political landscape is complex, and while Trump’s fan base shows no signs of faltering, there is intense scrutiny over the British government’s willingness to engage with what many see as a protectionist and disruptive American global policy. The implications for international relations, particularly with the rise of China’s influence in Asia and Africa, are also significant.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/make-america-a-commonwealth-member-trump-would-see-himself-as-equal-to-the-king-13337188
