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Originally Posted by EmpressRouge
In times of crisis, the monarchy can be seen as a bonding national force that is above politics, example: King George VI and the British royals during WWII. But today, they are mostly for entertainment, tradition, and pomp. However there are those who argue that the money it costs a country to keep a monarchy is not as wasteful as it may seem. Countries w/o a royal family must still hold state galas, entertain politicians, and live and dress similarly to what royals do. The cost of doing this is about same, if not more, than what a royal family would cost. However, in these countries, the money spent is spread out throughout various gov't agencies so it doesn't LOOK like as much as what a monarchy would cost. Personally, I have not researched/kept track of spending, but this is another way of looking at things.
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Hi Empress,
I agree with what you have written, however, comparatively monarchies do tend to cost more than republics of similar size -- but not always. It depends on the type of republic, who's running it, etc. However, if the citizens feel that they are getting value for money,then that's all that matters.
Personally, I'm not always a monarchist. Like everything It depends on the situation. Every country is different, and has its own needs, etc. I'm totally against dictatorships posing as monarchies (Saudi, Jordan, etc.). That being said, a crown, can however, be a unifying force in divisive, multi-ethnic countries and confederate countries (e.g. Belgium, Malaysia, etc.). What's more, in my opinion, rather than becoming anachronisms in the European (and some non-European) countries in which they exist, in my opinion I think they will become even more important institutions. More specifically, with increased regional and international integration, the erosion of national borders, the spread of a global (ie American) consumer culture, and the compression of space and time, monarchies will provide their citizenry with a sense of national identity, continuity, and traditon -- a pillar of stability if you will, in a fast changing, hyper, and often politically and economically tumultuous world.