The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Studies is an academic journal established in 1910 relating to the international relations of the Commonwealth of Nations.

History

The journal was established in 1910 as an off-shoot of the Round Table movement, established the previous year to promote closer union between the United Kingdom and its self-governing colonies. It was initially subtitled, 'A Quarterly Review of the Politics of the British Empire'. Though some of those associated with the Round Table movement promoted Imperial Federation, a proposal to create a federated union in place of the existing British Empire, it was early on agreed that the journal 'should not come out flat-footed' in favour of constitutional change, and disagreements within the Round Table movement meant that it never did.

It was founded by Lord Milner, former High Commissioner for South Africa, Lord Selborne, his successor, and members of "Milner's Kindergarten", who were associated with Milner through their work in the South African Civil Service, including:

  • Lionel Curtis
  • Philip Kerr – Liberal politician and, later, British Ambassador to United States
  • Geoffrey Dawson – Times journalist
  • Robert Brand

They were soon joined by others including Leo Amery, F.S. Oliver, and Alfred Zimmern.

In line with the developing idea of the British Empire turning into a 'Commonwealth' promoting progressive self-government, which emerged from the 'studies' of the Round Table movement, the sub-title of the journal was changed in 1919 to 'A Quarterly Review of the Politics of the British Commonwealth'.

Post-World War II, its subtitle was altered to 'A Quarterly Review of British Commonwealth Affairs' to reflect the changing nature of the Commonwealth and the lesser concentration on the domestic politics of Commonwealth member states. It became less a journal espousing a particular view and more a forum to exchange opinions. Its sub-title was changed again in 1966, to 'The Commonwealth Quarterly'.

The journal temporarily ceased in 1982 but was revived in 1983 with its current sub-title.