쿠웨이트의 왕권승계 연구(1915-2021)

A Study on the Succession of Kuwait s Kingship (1915-2021)

In Kuwait s succession to the throne, it had proceeded smoothly until 2006 that the Crown Prince automatically ascended to the throne upon the death of the former King (Amir). And the decision on the succession in Kuwait to the throne had been made within the al-Sabah ruling royal family by agreement without an interference of outside actors. Successions to the throne in 1965 and 1977 proceeded smoothly according to this rule. However, after the death of former King Sheikh Jabir al-Sabah on January 15, 2006, a serious crisis arose over the succession to the throne. On 24 January 2006, the Kuwait’s parliament voted the new King, Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah, out of office for health problems. The rules of game on succession to the throne were changed, and the parliament became an actor in the decision-making process of succession. It is a structural change. This study examines the succession process of Kuwait from 1915 to 2021. Variables applied to this study are: First, variables related to the leadership and blood ties, as suggested by Ibn Khaldun, and Second, the ruler s material and power resources. Third, the ability of alliance-building with members of the ruling royal family and with domestic and foreign political and social forces, and Fourth, the experience of powerful key positions in the Cabinet and the ability to manage state affairs.