PM Browne Says Commonwealth Could Form Powerful Alliance of Middle Powers

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne says the Commonwealth could serve as the foundation for a powerful alliance of middle and small nations seeking to strengthen their influence in an increasingly uncertain global order.

Writing in an opinion piece published by The Daily Telegraph, Browne argued that growing geopolitical tensions and shifting global power structures are forcing countries that are not superpowers to rethink how they protect their interests and maintain a voice on the international stage.

He referenced recent remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the role of “middle powers,” noting that such nations must work together to ensure they remain active participants in shaping global policy rather than becoming passive observers.

According to Browne, the evolving international landscape means countries can no longer assume that global institutions will return to previous norms or operate under the same frameworks that existed in past decades.

“Countries that are not among the world’s superpowers must consider how best to navigate this changing environment while ensuring they remain at the table rather than on the menu,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister pointed to the Commonwealth of Nations as a ready-made platform for deeper collaboration among like-minded countries that share political traditions, democratic values, and similar governance systems.

He noted that the organisation’s 56 member states already benefit from what has been described as a “Commonwealth advantage,” where the cost of trade between member countries is significantly lower than between non-member states.

Browne suggested that the Commonwealth could go further by reducing non-tariff barriers such as overlapping standards and customs delays, while also promoting common trade frameworks to strengthen economic cooperation.

He also highlighted the shared interests of Commonwealth countries in tackling major global challenges including climate change, democratic governance, and defending a rules-based international order.

The Prime Minister emphasized that collaboration among middle and small nations could amplify their collective influence in global affairs.

“If such a coalition of like-minded, free-trade-supporting and rules-based nations did not already exist, it would need to be created,” Browne wrote. “Fortunately, with the Commonwealth, we already have one.”

Browne also pointed to initiatives already underway within the organisation, including research and technology collaboration in areas such as ocean science and the blue economy.

He noted that Antigua and Barbuda hosts a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence focused on oceanography and the blue economy, which supports member states in developing sustainable marine industries.

The Prime Minister’s comments come as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 in St. John’s later this year, where the country will also assume the rotating Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth.

Browne said the upcoming summit presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among member states and to advance a more coordinated approach to global challenges facing both small and middle powers.