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.

This remote Himalayan country is in the throes of a noble experiment. The ruling monarch has initiated a move towards Democracy, but this tiny country is challenged by encroaching influences as it tries to maintain autonomy and a sense of nationality.

Unlike most, Cambodia's monarchy is not hereditary, the next monarch is chosen by the National Assembly from a pool of eligible candidates. When Sihamoni, a ballet dancer, was chosen, what sort of monarch were they hoping to crown?

After over a decade of civil war, Nepal's monarchy was ousted from power and the new constitutional assembly formed a peace deal with Maoist guerillas. The transformation begs the question of what will happen next in this kingdom turned secular republic.

Financial problems have beset the royal house, despite huge oil resources making Brunei one of the richest countries in the world. The sultan has reigned for nearly four decades and faces the decision to move toward a partial democracy.