How does succession impact democracy?

Succession in democratic systems can have profound impacts on the stability and effectiveness of governance. For instance, the historical examples of Athens and the Roman Republic demonstrate that shifts from established aristocratic leaders to more populist demagogues can lead to chaotic governance and economic burdens due to unrestrained public spending. Discussion of Bismarck and Lee Kuan Yew further illustrates that effective succession planning is crucial; where Bismarck's successor failed to maintain stability, Lee Kuan Yew's thoughtful planning ensured continued competent governance in Singapore 1.

In contrast, ineffective succession, especially characterized by a lack of foresight or proper frameworks, can lead to less capable governance and overall decline, as seen in Bismarck's Germany post-succession, ultimately contributing to significant turmoil including World War I.

Additionally, discussion about the British system underlines the necessity of revitalizing leadership by integrating younger and more dynamic individuals to adapt to new challenges and avoid systemic stagnation 2.