Asias Monarchies

A look into Japans 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 Cambodias 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 Nepals 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