So what changed?

[poiuytrewq0987]

Many centuries ago the royal families all over Europe took control of countries then went at war against each others for territorial gains (and the inevitable desire to better the people of the country they were in charge of). Now those same royal families are doing everything they can to imperil the future of their country (or rather more like doing nothing). So... what changed?

[The Lawspeaker]

Nothing. The names have changed and the technology has. Some Kings and Emperors lost their crowns but apart from that: nothing.

[Tabiti]

So... what changed?

The world, the system. Same goes for church and religion. The traditions aren't that they used to be
People just can't be ruled by a bunch of "chosen ones" nowadays. They prefer to choose their oppressors themselves. Politicians or monarchs? Who cares?

[Groenewolf]

First of all, most of these royal families do not have much real power left. Second they suffer from the bad advisor syndrome. Third it are the elected politicians, the caretakers that are selling us out.

[antonio]

Main problem of current monarchies it's that they lack almost completelly any clue about the what can be called "essences of the nation". In that sense, UK one seem to be a nice exception: prince of Edimbourgh even crack bad jokes about non-white ethnics, as if he were a street Englishman. Seriously, they fail even in aparently easiest than ever things like to choose worthy consorts...or maybe they have very little to offer: an institution with a long-term future highly contingent.

[poiuytrewq0987]

Main problem of current monarchies it's that they lack almost completelly any clue about the what can be called "essences of the nation". In that sense, UK one seem to be a nice exception: prince of Edimbourgh even crack bad jokes about non-white ethnics, as if he were a street Englishman. Seriously, they fail even in aparently easiest than ever things like to choose worthy consorts...or maybe they have very little to offer: an institution with a long-term future highly contingent.

One thing that is definitely interesting. Which is after WW2, there was essentially no monarchy left in power on continental Europe. And what happened after? Cue up Europe today.

[Eldritch]

Many centuries ago the royal families all over Europe took control of countries then went at war against each others for territorial gains (and the inevitable desire to better the people of the country they were in charge of).

I disagree with the statement in parentheses. European royals had zero interest in bettering the lives of their subjects. The idea that a nation exists to serve its people (rather than its ruling elite) is relatively new -- and quickly fading away again, now that the glorious EUSSR is here.

[Liffrea]

Originally Posted by Eldritch
The idea that a nation exists to serve its people (rather than its ruling elite) is relatively new

Well one can differentiate between a nation and the legal entity of a state.

But you are correct that it is amazing how many people fail to grasp the rather basic concept that a ruling elite (regardless of whether that’s a royal family, a political class etc) have one basic aim in mind….to remain the ruling elite.

They don’t work for the interests of the herd, the herd work for the interests of the elite, the wiser shepherd recognises that large open fields and plenty of grass are usually more effective than sheds and sticks, though the later have their place, there are, of course, always a few black sheep.