Why Isn't the Philippines a Member of the Commonwealth of Nations?

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary intergovernmental organization comprised of 56 member states. Most of these members are former British colonies. The United States and the Philippines, both having historical connections to the British Empire, are notable exceptions. This article delves into the reasons behind the Philippines' absence from the Commonwealth of Nations.

Historical Context

The majority of the member states of the Commonwealth are former British colonies due to historical ties with the British Empire. However, the Philippines, despite having significant cultural and historical connections to Spain and the United States, is not a member of the Commonwealth.

The Thirteen Colonies and the British Empire

The Thirteen Colonies that formed the United States were associated with the Kingdom of Great Britain or the "First" British Empire. In contrast, the Commonwealth of Nations is linked to the "Second" British Empire, which includes colonies in Africa, Asia, and other regions. The United States broke free from British colonial rule in the late 18th century, establishing itself as a sovereign nation long before the formation of the Commonwealth in the mid-20th century.

The Spanish Connection

It's important to note that much of the land that became the United States was part of the Kingdom of New Spain within the Spanish Empire, not a British colony. The United States is now the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with unique dialects like Santa Fe Spanish being found only in the United States. This historical background explains why the United States is not considered a former British colony and thus not a member of the Commonwealth.

Philippines and the Commonwealth Membership

While the Philippines was a colonial possession of both Spain and the United States, it never became part of the British Empire. This historical fact is the primary reason why the Philippines is not a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth mostly includes countries that were directly under British colonial rule, and the Philippines' past relationship with Spain and the United States makes it an exception to this rule.

Philippine Independence and Commonwealth

The Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946. By this time, the British Empire was in decline, and the Commonwealth was in its early stages of formation. The Philippines did not seek membership in the Commonwealth, possibly due to its desire to maintain its sovereignty and the complex historical relationship with its former colonial rulers.

Myths and Misconceptions

Sometimes, there are myths or misconceptions about the Philippines and its historical ties to the British Empire. For instance, the idea that the Philippines threw off its "yoke" from Britain long ago is not accurate, as it never truly was a British colony. Another myth suggests that the failure to join the Commonwealth is because the Philippines betrayed the Crown. In reality, the Philippines' historical and diplomatic priorities led it to pursue a different path.

The Commonwealth's Perspective

The Commonwealth primarily includes countries that require support, have a need for alignment with the UK, and are former British colonies. The United States, being a reliable and significant ally, is not seen as a suitable candidate for the Commonwealth. Similarly, the Philippines, due to its unique historical circumstances, has preferred to stay outside this organization.

In conclusion, the Philippines' absence from the Commonwealth of Nations is a result of its historical ties to Spain and the United States, rather than the British Empire. This situation reflects the complex and diverse nature of international relations and historical legacies.