Search Result

Srl

Item

ID: 176085

European Monarchies: Guardians of Democracy? / Hazell, Robert ; Morris, Bob

Hazell, Robert	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Summary/Abstract

How is it possible to account for the continuing presence of monarchy in advanced social democracies? Much traditional political science assumes teleologically that monarchies inevitably transform into republics as a higher form of governance. This comparative study of the eight main European monarchies maintains otherwise: monarchy is perfectly compatible with democracy, and can help strengthen citizens’ loyalty to the system of government. Provided it delivers a politically impartial head of state, monarchy can endure indefinitely with government and popular support. In practice, the countries studied are de facto republics, but with hereditary heads of state who occupy social roles beyond the reach of quotidian politics. Monarchy’s principal danger is not republicanism, but the pressures of conflicting expectations about what is required of royal families, and the relentless intrusions of modern media in an age when royalty and celebrity are in danger of being conflated. Responses to Covid‐19 show how monarchs can speak to and for their nations in ways no partisan politician can.

Key Words

Monarchy ; Legitimacy ; Republicanism ; European Social Democracy ; Head of State

In Basket

Export

ID: 112086

Tuvalu and you: the monarch, the United Kingdom and the realms / Bonney, Norman; Morris, Bob

Bonney, Norman	Journal Article
	0 Rating(s) & 0 Review(s)

Publication

2012.

Summary/Abstract

The government plans to amend the royal succession rules by making primogeniture gender blind and ending marriage to a Roman Catholic spouse as a disqualification for succession. Achieving these goals means that the UK is dependent on the agreement of the fifteen Commonwealth countries-the 'realms'-that also have the Queen as head of state. The article questions whether these proposals go far enough when leaving intact other religious discriminatory rules hostile to Catholics and all others who cannot be in communion with the Church of England. It is maintained that a political disinclination to address and, as necessary, challenge the real as opposed to the formal position of the Church of England vitiates the government's approach. Moreover, it is asked whether the policy process itself should not become more open and democratic both within the UK and between the realms.

Key Words

Commonwealth ; Monarchy ; Realms ; Church of England ; Roman Catholics

In Basket

Export