~ Global Scoop #3: I Know Best: Monarchies to Dictatorships ~

If you’ve ever taken a world history class, you know that the idea of democracy is relatively new. In fact, the very notion of individual liberties or the common good, as seen in democratic and collectivist cultures respectively, stemmed from a more traditional idea of power, based on lineage or seizing of a throne. Monarchies were present in many European countries before continental America was “discovered.” Regular citizens of a particular country or town were unlikely to challenge someone’s royal status, which was often passed down generationally and based on the luck of blood relations alone.

Without a moral code or clear direction in mind, especially in their early stages, positions of authority were heavily abused by those who were lucky enough to inherit them. In the process of gaining absolute, or even “divine” power, some rulers opted to impose a stricter set of rules that were arguably more beneficial to them individually than anyone else. A famous example of this was King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, who prompted the French Revolution by refusing to do anything about French citizen’s extreme poverty, while living a lavish lifestyle cooped up in their fancy castle.

The colors indicate level of freedom: green is free, yellow is semi-free, and purple indicates low levels of freedom (dictatorship)

Abuses of power include, but are not limited to, censorship of the press, giving special treatment to a few while ignoring the masses or a certain group, hoarding resources for oneself, not allowing civil liberties such as access to the internet or leisure time, and essentially acting on a whim without any sort of constitution or guidance. When these factors come into play, and there are no outside governing bodies to prevent it, monarchy quickly morphs into a Dictatorship. These rulers often play a political game to keep from being overthrown by any means necessary; through censorship, propaganda, forcing votes, and threats of severe punishment or death should they be challenged.

It is important to keep in mind that many of these countries have since modified their governments to give more weight to democratic systems, such as Parliament in the U.K. Parliament has actually been around since 1215, but it was not required for a ruler to consult both houses of Parliament when drafting a new law until 1414 when Henry V assumed the throne. Even still, the final decision was up to the ruler. It was not until 1928 that both men and women had the right to vote through the Representation of the People Act, and the country as a whole was then considered to be democratic in nature.

As of 2019, there were about 42 monarchies, most of which are currently at least semi-democratic, in the sense that they also have a Constitution-like document, a Prime Minister or President, and some other governing body like Parliament. These are deemed Constitutional Monarchies, Semi-Constitutional Monarchies, and Commonwealth Realms (Constitutional Monarchies that are also part of a union). Countries include the U.K., Canada, Australia, and Japan.

The map indicates countries with monarchies: red indicates commonwealth monarchies, and blue comprises all other monarchy types

Additionally, there are still 7 absolute monarchies where the ruler has all of the power unquestionably. These countries include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Brunei. In Saudi Arabia, Shariah Law, or Islamic practices, are treated as the formal statures for behavioral standards of citizens. Punishments for disobedience include public beheadings, stoning, or lashing.

As of 2020, there are currently close to 50 dictatorships, with an absolute ruler and minimal freedom. These countries include Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. North Korea is among the strictest and most brutal, severely limiting access to personal belongings, internet access, and leisure time. Conscription into the military is mandatory for all men aged 15 through age 30, and is selectively required for some women as well. Additionally, if you are born and raised in North Korea you are generally not allowed to leave the country, even just to travel. There are also many rules about outsiders visiting the country, and visitors are generally advised not to do so, because the threat level is so high.

The main difference between a monarchy and a dictatorship is whether leadership is just or a ruler intimidates citizens and abuses their power

As Americans, it is our job to be aware of the state of our world, even in regards to countries whose approach to government may be wildly different from ours. It is not productive to judge these nations based on their political practices, rather, we should learn what we can from the way they operate. What is the value of our freedom? How might we relate to these individuals and accept them into our communities should they visit or move here? Do we share core values such as religion, dedication to a cause, or a belief that despite our circumstances, things can get better?

It is easy to believe we are superior, unique, or non-traditional, and other countries simply have some catching up to do, but it is unlikely that an individual born and raised in such a society would think the same way. I ask all of you as readers to simply be aware of these differences (and similarities) when speaking to someone new. Globalization is upon us, if not in reality, through the media and other outside sources. Let’s arm ourselves and be prepared for the future, wherever it may lead us. Thank you so much for reading this post, and until next time (:

3 thoughts on “~ Global Scoop #3: I Know Best: Monarchies to Dictatorships ~

  1. The French Revolution brought us to the present day in America with poverty levels under control, nowadays any Mcdonalds menu prices has meals from 1 dollar, something that any citizen can earn honestly to live in peace, love and brotherhood.

  2. I always thought eating was a ridiculous activity anyway. I’d get out of it myself if I could, though you’ve got to do it to stay alive, they tell me.

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