Since its late eighteenth century Revolution, most citizens of the United States of America have idealistically held the notion that Republican forms of government are superior and more free than Monarchical forms. The US government has actively participated in the overthrow of legitimate monarchies and has replaced them with republics all over the globe. However, most of America’s best allies today are in fact, monarchies. These nations are prosperous, free, and in some cases have less government intrusion into the liberty of their people than the US. Consider these examples:
Japan. A truly first-world nation, Japan is incredibly prosperous, technologically advanced, and is a functioning democracy. It is however, ruled by a monarch. Japan is the closest US ally in East Asia and one of the world’s most powerful nations.
The Commonwealth. The most famous nation in this group of nations ruled by Queen Elizabeth is obviously Great Britain, but other important (but by no means the only) nations ruled by the Queen are Canada, Australia and New Zealand. All are prosperous, free democracies and several are Powers in their own right.
Thailand. The only free nation in Southeast Asia during the Communist period and a close US ally, Thailand is prosperous, free, and ruled by a monarch.
The Middle Eastern monarchies. This is a more controversial example, but consider this: the only nations in the Middle East whom the US has not forcibly occupied that allow the US to have permanent military bases on their soil are monarchies. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are examples of this. Other regional monarchies like Jordan do not have US bases, but are the only ones at all interested in a genuine Peace process with Israel. In North Africa, Morocco is the freest nation in the region, and is also a monarchy. An important consideration with Middle Eastern monarchies is that none of them engage in state-sponsored terrorism.
Most of the nations listed above are not European; in fact, monarchies are found all across the globe. Most are more prosperous and free than their neighbors. Some are world powers. On the other hand, many nations with Republican forms of government are far less free, prosperous, or friendly than the US or its Monarchist allies. Consider these examples:
The People’s Republic of China. A vast, teeming Communist nation, China overthrew and executed its monarch in the last century. Yet most of the nation remains poor and starving, and democracy is not practiced, let alone basic freedoms. China is America’s chief rival.
The Russian Federation. After the fall of the Soviet Socialist Republic, Russia moved in a democratic direction. But in true Republican tradition, Russia has increasingly fallen under totalitarian rule. Russia is now an adversary of the US.
Iraq. After the liberation from Saddam Hussein, the US installed a Republican form of government in Iraq, ignoring its Monarchical history. Following the final withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, that nation’s government fell into chaos and has forbidden the US from basing troops in the nation or even flying aircraft over its airspace.
The Islamic Republic of Iran. A longstanding enemy of the US, Iran is tyrannically ruled by its religious mullahs. These mullahs gained power when mobs overthrew the monarch.
The above list of Republics is by no means exhaustive, but is illustrative of the unstable nature of that form of government. Now, there are a number of Republics that, like the US itself, are prosperous and free. Israel, though controversial in its relationship to the US, fits that description, as does South Korea. However, the point is that the notion that Monarchy is inherently tyrannical is patently false. Monarchies such as Japan, Canada and Thailand lead the world in peace, prosperity and strength. The US should consider their success before installing Republics in the nations it that it conquers and occupies.
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