The Commonwealth consists of only a quarter of the world's states and yet the Commonwealth Secretariat and Foundation have made and continue to make a significant contribution to global politics. Commonwealth is a superb examination of an often neglected but crucial force in world affairs. Timothy M. Shaw explains the history, structure and future of the Commonwealth demonstrates the central role that the Commonwealth has played in advancing decolonization and supporting multiculturalism, democracy and human rights; details the significant links between Commonwealth institutions and myriad networks concerned with education, development, gender, health, islands, literature, media and sport; and examines the Commonwealth within the context of wider debates about 'global' governance and globalization.