CANZUK

[ian16th]

Could this happen?

[boing]

It's almost a logical progression. The EEC was based on national proximity and relied on cooperation of disparate populations, we see the result is not perfect. The rumoured group is based on national compatibility and the idea that distance in itself is no longer a factor in trade and cooperation.

Some advantages of the group would be diverse economic strengths and natural resources and each nation has sufficient military infrastructure that it can be effectively reinforced by other members if required. The location of the members spreads political and military influence over a large part of the globe.

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[AtomKraft]

I can see a few problems, but many more benefits. Definately worth a look.
Hard to see any way it could be worse than the bloody Frogs, helping the bloody Germans.....not exactly our best friends over the years.

[G-CPTN]

We could call it Common Wealth.

[ian16th]

We could call it Common Wealth.

If so, we'd have the likes of Pakistan and Nigeria wanting to join!

[boing]

G-CPTN

That was my first thought but then I guessed that in the present climate anything associated with that which must never be mentioned would probably torpedo the idea.

Perhaps FUSION but I am not telling you what the letters stand for until we are safely across the finish line and I try too avoid swearing on the 'net.


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[larsssnowpharter]

It's a nice concept and, on a personal level, one I would love to see happen.

The countries have compatible legal systems based on English Common Law, for the most part, a common language and shared cultural heritage. It would also give Canada, Oz and NZ a better representation on the UN Security Council.

The biggest problem to overcome would likely be the UKs economic dominance.

[John Hill]

It would also give Canada, Oz and NZ a better representation on the UN Security Council.

Explain that please.

[Dushan]

Jacinta and Justin couldn't organize a pissup in a brewery, much less something like this.

[John Hill]

It would also give Canada, Oz and NZ a better representation on the UN Security Council.

Explain that please.

Hmmmm..... is there no explanation?

[Rwy in Sight]

It would also give Canada, Oz and NZ a better representation on the UN Security Council.

Explain that please.

Hmmmm..... is there no explanation?

Unfortunately not a member of this political block but my understanding is that Canada Oz and NZ could project their views via UK permanent security council seat

[boing]

RiS
That's quite logical since the UK would hardly vote against it's partners, none of the other permanent seats do so.

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[John Hill]

That's quite logical since the UK would hardly vote against it's partners, none of the other permanent seats do so.
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Perhaps you do not know the POMs like we do.

As for matters at the UN I suspect tying NZ to OZ or UK would be against our interests. We have been dragged in to enough wars in the past because of quasi alliances to know that we do not need any more.

[boing]

John,
I suspect that if the Japanese had not been stopped by the Americans in the several actions at Guadalcanal you might be holding a different opinion. New Zealand forces acquitted themselves magnificently in WW2 and I reckon that every NZ serviceman knew that, regardless of where he was fighting, that ultimately he was protecting his homeland.

The Aussies have a valid grudge about Gallipoli.

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[John Hill]

I do not need to go back to Gallipoli or even just to WWII to know that friends and allies including Australia, UK, USA and of course France have all shown the true worth of 'friendships' and alliances.

BTW. I think it was the Australians at Milne Bay who put a stop to Japanese advances in the Pacific.

[Rwy in Sight]

JH, my understanding of the EU theatre of operations is the UK used CANZUK troops to do the most difficult jobs like the Battle of Crete. Hence the UK owns a special debt to those countries.

[John Hill]

RIW, I am sorry but I don't know anything about that.

However I do know that Churchill did not want NZ and Australian troops to leave the European theatre when Japan began to move south, apparently he was happy to sacrifice Australia and NZ provided the war in Europe could be won. What happened next is a story in itself.