BLUF: Despite global shifts towards democracy, the world’s remaining monarchs retain significant wealth derived from vast real estate, corporate holdings, stocks, and monetary reserves.
OSINT:
The world’s monarchs are still among the wealthiest, regardless of substantial global moves towards democratization. From endless lines of succession, these dynasties have controlled the economic and societal frameworks of their nations, and maintain expansive access to assets including real estate, corporate holdings, stocks, and considerable financial reserves.
Based on estimates collated by The Business Standard, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn leads the charge as the world’s richest monarch, amassing a net worth of approximately $43 billion. Fuelled primarily by property in Bangkok and ownership stakes in Thailand’s biggest cement company and bank, King Maha’s wealth became a contentious issue during student protests in 2018.
The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, comes in second with an estimated worth of $28 billion, mostly generated from oil and gas investments. Middle Eastern monarchs, King Salman bin Saud of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai rank third to fifth, with wealth ranging between $14 billion and $18 billion. European monarchs tie in next, and Prince Albert II of Monaco concludes the top 10 with an estimated wealth of $1 billion.
RIGHT:
From a Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist perspective, the wealth gained by these monarchs exhibits the possibilities inherent in a free-market economy. These royal families, like successful entrepreneurs, have accrued and maintained their wealth over centuries, even amidst the rise of democratic systems.
LEFT:
A National Socialist Democrat may focus on the inherent systemic inequalities in these monarchies. They might advocate for redistributing the wealth acquired by these privileged few for the collective good. The significant protests in Thailand against the royal budget could be seen as a globally relevant call for economic justice.
AI:
The degree of wealth concentrated in monarchies reflects the enduring power of historical resource allocation and inheritance structures. However, it’s crucial to comprehend that these figures are estimates which could vary with the value of the assets owned. Notably, wealth accumulation in monarchies tends to be more visible due to the public nature of their status, but ultra-high-net-worth individuals might possess similar or greater wealth levels depending on market fluctuations. Moreover, public sentiment towards such wealth and the mechanisms employed to retain it might significantly impact the longevity of these structures.