In this timely and insightful study, the authors explain how, after Brexit, Britain began to aggressively look for new alliance partners and establish special bonds with three English-speaking states: Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These countries have more in common with one another than most other groups of countries do. Together, they constitute a significant bloc and could help strengthen not only the Commonwealth but also their American and European allies. The book provides an inspiring vision for a future where the strong ties between these Commonwealth states—including a common language, history, culture, and political systems—and concrete steps toward reestablishing cooperation will increase mutual benefits. This "CANZUK" alliance is reconverging on issues of trade, defense, foreign policy, freedom of movement, and other areas. Despite the many comprehensive trade deals struck between them, several things could still derail the reconvergence, including a possible breakup of the UK itself in the event of Scottish independence. However, their common history, tradition, culture, language, and political systems should quickly resolve any emerging hurdles. Their commonalities will prove much stronger than their differences. Recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

Choice Reviews

An excellent book. Without denigrating the wider Commonwealth, the authors have focussed on the special bonds between Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. There are some splendid observations which reflect well upon the operations of the Constitutional Monarchy.

The Hon John Howard OM AC, Prime Minister of Australia, 1996-2007

CANZUK is not about nostalgia or history - though, given what we have fought for together, Heaven knows that some nostalgia is justified. No, the real case for a partnership among the Crown Commonwealth states is futuristic. In a world where distance matters less and less, and where cultural proximity trumps geographical proximity, our economic and political interoperability has more relevance than it has ever had before - a point beautifully made by Michael J. Smith & Stephen Klimczuk-Massion.

The Rt Hon The Lord Hannan of Kingsclere, UK Board of Trade, author and columnist

It was the late and much-loved Queen Elizabeth who said that the Commonwealth was ‘an entirely new conception built on the highest qualities of the spirit of man.’ In doing so she showed insight and foresight far beyond many politicians and foreign affairs experts. The common purpose and commitment of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK is part of the binding force which, far from standing apart from the rest, weaves the modern and evolving Commonwealth together. This farsighted book is invaluable in showing us how it is doing so.

The Rt Hon The Lord Howell of Guildford PC, Former UK Cabinet Minister; Former President of the Royal Commonwealth Society

This is a timely and insightful study. With Britain having declined the submergence of its institutions and relations with its closest allies in Euro-integration, and the United States in a somewhat unpredictable phase, it is a better time than ever since World War II to reexamine the potential for the senior Commonwealth countries to coordinate their affairs more closely. Geographic dispersal is no longer a serious problem, we have more in common with each other than with anyone else, and together, constitute a significant bloc in the world, and a strengthened ally of America and Europe.

Conrad Black (The Rt Hon The Lord Black of Crossharbour), Founder and Columnist, National Post, Canada

The UK voting to leave the EU was bewildering to me, but as this book well articulates, now that Brexit is done there is some fertile ground for the UK to re-engage with the old Commonwealth. In this world all countries need all the friends they can get. Nurture these relationships and the rewards will follow—we all still have a lot in common, especially our values and aspirations.

The Rt Hon Sir Donald McKinnon ONZ GCVO, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, 2000-2008; Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand,1990-1996