Who is a high commissioner?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the definition of a "high commissioner" in diplomacy.

Step 2: The concept Diplomatic representatives have different titles depending on where they are posted:

• Ambassador: Heads an embassy in a country that is not a member of the Commonwealth.
• High Commissioner: Heads a High Commission in a Commonwealth country. The title is used among Commonwealth members, who historically shared the same Crown or were part of the British Empire, so they do not exchange "ambassadors."

Nigeria, for example, has a High Commissioner in Ghana, the UK, and India (all Commonwealth members), but an Ambassador in the USA, France, or China.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. A country's representative in any of the Commonwealth countries. ✔ This matches the definition exactly.
• B. A permanent member at the UN General Assembly. ✘ This describes a Permanent Representative, not a high commissioner.
• C. A representative to an English speaking country. ✘ Being English-speaking is not the criterion. The USA is English speaking, but Nigeria sends an ambassador there.
• D. An ambassador in any country of the world. ✘ Too general, and it ignores the Commonwealth distinction.
• E. An ambassador to French speaking countries. ✘ French-speaking countries such as France and Senegal receive ambassadors.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A.

Exam tip: Remember "Commonwealth = Commissioner". If the posting is within the Commonwealth, it is a High Commissioner. If outside it, it is an Ambassador.