The inter-state and non-state Commonwealth networks are rather unknown features of contemporary 'global governance' yet they play a key part in supporting it. This is a fascinating exploration of these crucial webs of influence and power.

Timothy M. Shaw is Director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. He holds three degrees from three continents and taught in Canada for over three decades, mainly at Dalhousie University in NS and most recently at Royal Roads University in BC, Canada. He has also been a visiting professor at universities in Denmark, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Introduction 1. Commonwealth(s) - Inter- and Non-State: How Compatible? 2. From Decolonization to Democratization: Beyond the Extended Family to Post-Imperial Nation-Building? 3. Commonwealths Today: Towards Human Development, Human Rights and Human Security? 4. Commonwealths' Discourses and Directions: Pro- and/or Anti-Globalizations? 5. Commonwealths and the Competition: What Niches? 6. Commonwealths and the Future. Appendix 1: Official Commonwealth Membership and Year of Joining. Appendix 2: CHOGM Location, Participation and Duration, 1965-2009. Appendix 3: Commonwealth Organizations. Appendix 4: CHOGM Communique from Malta, 2006