In 1995 the Commonwealth suspended Nigeria from membership following the installation of military rule in that country and, consequently, the violation of one of the organisation’s constitutional documents, the Harare Declaration. The decision to suspend Nigeria provided the basis formy interest in the role of human rights and democracy in determining the participation of states in international organisations and led me to investigate the practice of other institutions. Given the starting point for this research, it is appropriate that one of the most recent examples discussed in this book is the Commonwealth’s decision to suspend Fiji on 1 September 2009. Many people have assisted me with my interest in this topic over the years. This book is based on my doctoral thesis, submitted to the University of Melbourne in 2008. Importantly, I would like to thank my two supervisors, Professors Tim McCormack and Gerry Simpson. Their invaluable advice and constructive criticism enabled me to retain my enthusiasm for this research throughout the life of the original thesis. The two examiners, Professors Nigel White and Robert McCorquodale, made a number of very useful suggestions for converting the thesis into a book. My colleagues at the University of Melbourne, John Tobin, Bruce Oswald and David Brennan, generously agreed to read parts of the manuscript at various stages in its formation. Professor Brad Roth also provided helpful comments on a number of chapters.