Malcolm Fraser and the Commonwealth of Nations

Malcolm Fraser’s view of the Commonwealth of Nations and involvement in its affairs exemplifies his approach to international relations, combining idealism and pragmatism. His liberalism was strongly anti-racist. Evident before he became prime minister, this approach developed further at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in 1977, 1979 and 1981, and in the short-lived Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meetings. Fraser subsequently served as co-chair of the Eminent Persons’ Group on South Africa in 1985–1986, also becoming a candidate for Secretary-General in 1988–1989. Fraser’s approach to the Commonwealth provides insights into how the grouping might best function today.