Monarchy, a Democratic Paradox: The Head of State in European Parliamentary Democracies

(ENG) Through a combination of textual analysis, interviews with political figures and members of royal or presidential households, and an extensive poll of public opinion in four monarchies (the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, and Sweden) and two parliamentary republics (Germany and Italy), this comparative study addresses the paradox that unelected monarchs have persisted as heads of state in democratic polities. Chapter 1 traces the historical progression of democracy in monarchical European states up to World War II, demonstrating that the monarchs who survived were those who did not resist erosion of their manifest powers and/or succeeded in representing the national identity positively under challenging circumstances. Chapter 2 acknowledges Robert K. Merton's distinction between manifest and latent powers in a close analysis of the powers given to the head of state in the respective constitutions. Interviews, supplemented by primary research material from the two smaller monarchies of Luxembourg and Andorra, explore the extent of influence exerted through the voice and latent powers, suggesting that monarchs may develop added influence as they mature in office. Cost continues to be a source of criticism about monarchies, and Chapter 3 challenges this perception by exploring the organizational and budgetary capabilities of monarchs versus presidents Chapter 4 discusses the extent to which the process of succession complicates the institutional asset of stability and historical legitimacy with heavy responsibilities for preparing the heir. Chapter 5 explores relatively recent examples of institutional adaptability using the attempted coup of 1981 in Spain, constitutional crises provoked by moral convictions of monarchs in Belgium and Luxembourg, familial problems reflecting changing standards of behavior, and the specter of instability in multinational societies. Chapter 6 employs results from opinion polls conducted in the six countries to evaluate sociological and psychological arguments advanced to explain the survival of monarchy. Results indicate on-going support for the institution as well as changes in attitudes among younger citizens that may challenge future heirs. The European continent has undergone much change, and the effects of the current economic crisis are still being evaluated, yet this study demonstrates that the European parliamentary monarchies are in no immediate danger.