Commonwealth Questions

Episodes

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01Dr Sue Onslow20140310The first of five Essays from writers around the Commonwealth which start on Commonwealth Day, 10th March, and scrutinise the destiny of this unique international body.

Dr Sue Onslow of the School of Advanced Studies, University of London looks at the history of the Commonwealth and its web of committees and forums. She asks whether they have made a difference in world politics in the past and whether the organisation has a future.

Exploring the Commonwealth's history. Has it made a difference and does it have a future?

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

02Fakir Aijazuddin20140311A series of five essays from writers around the Commonwealth which start on Commonwealth Day, 10th March, and tackle the past, present and future of this unique international organisation.

Fakir Aijazuddin, author and historian from Lahore, comments on Pakistan's chequered relationship with the Commonwealth. He reflects on his own dealings with what he describes as a typically British invention, the 'gentleman's club'.

Historian Fakir Aijazuddin on Pakistan's chequered relationship with the Commonwealth.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

03Noah Richler20140312A series of five essays from writers around the Commonwealth which start on Commonwealth Day, 10th March, and tackle the past, present and future of this unique international organisation.

Author Noah Richler writes from a Canadian perspective. The Queen still appears on the bank notes of Canada as she is the head of state. The role is largely ceremonial, so why the need for ties like the Commonwealth in such an advanced country?

Author Noah Richler asks if Canada still needs ties like the Commonwealth.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

04Farah Ghuznavi20140313A series of five essays from writers around the Commonwealth which start on Commonwealth Day 10th March and tackle the past, present and future of this unique international organisation.

Farah Ghuznavi from Bangladesh has been Writer in Residence for Commonwealth Writers. She saw the Commonwealth as an irrelevance in her early life. Here she explains what changed her mind.

Writer Farah Ghuznavi explains why she no longer sees the Commonwealth as an irrelevance.

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

05Tolu Ogunlesi20140314A series of five essays from writers around the Commonwealth which start on Commonwealth Day 10th March and tackle the past, present and future of this unique international organisation.

Tolu Ogunlesi, poet and author from Nigeria looks at whether young people in Lagos can relate to the Commonwealth.

Poet and author Tolu Ogunlesi asks if young people in Lagos can relate to the Commonwealth

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.