What next for the Commonwealth?

What next for the Commonwealth?

Author: BBC World Service September 23, 2022 Duration: 49:03

The Queen was seen as a unifying force in the Commonwealth. With her death, will the organisation re-invent itself for the next generation, or fade away? Questions are being asked about whether the Commonwealth is a neo-colonial project and what it can actually do for its members. Others argue that while the Commonwealth has its roots in empire, it is a crucial forum for smaller countries to amplify their voice and work with more powerful allies. We'll look at what the Commonwealth is for and what challenges lie ahead for King Charles III as he takes the helm. What would change if the organisation ceased to exist and what does it mean for Britain's place in the world?

Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of expert guests.

Producers: Ellen Otzen and Zak Brophy


Each week, The Real Story from the BBC World Service moves beyond the headlines to examine a single, pressing issue shaping our world. Instead of rapid-fire updates, this podcast dedicates its time to deep, thoughtful conversation. You’ll hear directly from the people involved-policymakers, analysts, journalists, and those directly affected-as they unpack the complexities of a major event or trend. The discussions are rigorous and nuanced, focusing on the underlying forces, historical context, and potential consequences that simpler reports often miss. It’s a space for genuine debate where differing perspectives collide, providing a clearer picture of why a story matters. For anyone seeking to understand the deeper narratives behind the news, this podcast offers essential context and insight, transforming a familiar topic into a richer, more complete understanding. Tune in for a thorough analysis that challenges assumptions and connects the dots on global affairs.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Real Story
Podcast Episodes
What does the future hold for President Erdoğan? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:07
The earthquakes that struck south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February were deadly and devastating. Tens of thousands have died - many more are unaccounted for.It's not the first time that Turkey has been blin…
Can Lula fix the Amazon? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
Brazil’s newly-elected president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has pledged to protect the Amazon and to reach zero deforestation by 2030. During a recent meeting with US President Biden, Lula said the rainforest had been "…
How do you stop police brutality? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:06
Five ex-police officers have been charged with second-degree murder after beating Tyre Nichols, 29, who was black, during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee. He died three days later.Nichols’ death has sparked protests…
Why is violence escalating between Israelis and Palestinians? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:09
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, visited Israel this week after days of increasing violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Last week, 10 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank city of Jenin, when Israeli…
Is it getting any easier for women in politics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:53
Jacinda Ardern’s resignation as New Zealand’s PM this month came as a surprise to millions around the world. When she came to office in 2017, she stuck out as a contrast to populist leaders that dominated the global scen…
Has Germany been holding back the war effort in Ukraine? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:02
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to one of the biggest shifts ever seen in Germany's post-war foreign policy. Vladimir Putin managed to achieve what NATO allies spent years trying to: a massive increase in Germany's…
Prince Harry: Dealing with grief in the public eye [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
Prince Harry's bombshell memoir, Spare, leaves few royal stones unturned. From a physical confrontation with his brother Prince William to his own drug taking, one of the threads that runs through all of these startling…
Andrew Tate: Why is misogyny so popular online? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:08
The arrest of controversial British-American influencer Andrew Tate in Romania as a part of a human trafficking and rape investigation has pulled his brand of online misogyny back into the headlines. Tate, who denies the…
A tough winter for Ukraine as Russia exploits the cold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:17
As the war continues and winter sets in, Russia is targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure with waves of missile and drone strikes, at times cutting off electricity for millions of civilians. How are the Ukrainian peop…
Are protests changing Iran? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:58
The anti-government protests sweeping Iran are now in their third month, with no sign of ending, despite a bloody crackdown. Women have been at the forefront of the unrest that began in mid-September following the death…