Description
Book Synopsis: The death of the ruler poses a significant threat to the stability of any polity. Arranging for a peaceful and orderly succession has been a formidable challenge in most historical societies, and it continues to be a test that modern authoritarian regimes regularly face and often fail. Drawing on a unique dataset of the life and fates of monarchs in all major monarchies in Medieval and Early Modern Europe, The Politics of Succession documents how succession has historically been moments of violence and insecurity. Deaths of rulers were often associated with civil war, and the shadow cast by looming successions caused coups and depositions. But this book also shows that the development and spread of primogeniture - the eldest-son-taking-the-throne - mitigated the problem of succession in Europe in the period after AD 1000. The predictability and stability that followed from a clear hereditary principle outweighed the problems of incompetent and irrational rulers sometimes inheriting power. The data used in the book demonstrates that primogeniture reduced the risk of depositions and civil war following the inevitable deaths of leaders. In this way, hereditary monarchy helped create political stability and lengthen the time horizons of rulers and elites alike, thereby facilitating state-building. The book thus sheds light on the rationale of a system of leader selection that today often appears illogical and outdated - and it uses these findings to shed light on the key advantage of modern representative democracy: its ability to complete power transfers peacefully.
Details
Discover the untold stories and intricacies behind the forging of stable monarchies in Europe with our captivating book, "The Politics of Succession: Forging Stable Monarchies in Europe, AD 1000-1800". Delve into the fascinating world of historical societies and witness the formidable challenges of arranging peaceful successions in the face of looming instability. Through meticulous research and a unique dataset, this book unveils the deep-rooted connection between deaths of rulers, civil wars, and coups.
Uncover the transformative power of primogeniture, the eldest-son-taking-the-throne, in mitigating the threat of succession issues. With clear hereditary principles, Europe experienced newfound predictability and stability after AD 1000. Say goodbye to the days of incompetent and irrational rulers inheriting power. Let our data-driven book demonstrate how primogeniture reduced the risk of depositions and civil war, ushering in an era of political stability and longer-lasting leadership.
In this thought-provoking read, gain insights into the evolution of leader selection systems. While hereditary monarchy may seem illogical and outdated today, "The Politics of Succession" reveals its crucial role in facilitating state-building and lengthening the time horizons of rulers and elites. As you explore these historical realms, discover how the book analyzes the advantages of modern representative democracy, highlighting its ability to ensure peaceful power transfers.
Uncover the secrets that shaped Europe's stable monarchies and the importance of peaceful successions. Elevate your understanding of historical regimes with "The Politics of Succession: Forging Stable Monarchies in Europe, AD 1000-1800". Grab your copy now and embark on an illuminating journey through the intricate politics of succession. Shop Now and capture the essence of Europe's historical power struggles.
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