Dynastic rule in Syria and North Korea: Nepotism, succession, and sibling rivalry

In: International political science review: the journal of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) = Revue internationale de science politique, Band 43, Heft 3, S. 450-463

Abstract

Dynastic rule in republics is a global trend. Using a qualitative life-story-and-family-history method to compare two republican dynasties – the Assads of Syria and Kims of North Korea – this article examines how ruthless kin groups establish themselves in power, practice nepotism and corrupt republican institutions of government with dynastic succession. Focusing on sibling rivalry, a potentially destructive threat to dynasties, it contributes to an emerging political science literature on republican political families by exploring five factors that shape sibling conflict and cooperation.