Asia's Monarchies

A look into Japan's Chrysanthemum Throne and the controversy surrounding the vagaries of the royal hereditary system and how the stripping of its 'divine' nature since WWII has affected the monarchy and its relationship with its people.

Bhutan's governing party pledged recently to follow the policies of the absolute monarchy it is replacing after it won a landslide in the country's first parliamentary elections. This remote, beautiful country truly is in the throes of a noble experiment.

King Sihanouk retired in 2004, giving way to his son, Sihamoni - a ballet dancer. Unlike many monarchies, Cambodia's is not hereditary - rather the next king or queen mother is chosen by the National Assembly from a pool of eligible candidates.

In 2008, Nepal's royalty was ousted from power, forced out of their palaces, and the country began a new era as a republic. The story of the fall of the House of Shah is one of bloodshed, betrayal, and intrigue. The transformation from kingdom to a republic was swift, dramatic.

Brunei may be one of the richest nations in the world, but financial problems have beset even their royal house. The sultan has recently made moves towards some form of partial democracy. However, it is up to him whether or not he introduces it. Why did he make a move to do so, and then let it drop?