Editing Dictatorship (section)

=== Absolute monarchy ===
{{Main|Absolute monarchy}}
[[File:Salman of Saudi Arabia (2017-10-05) 2.jpg|thumb|King [[Salman of Saudi Arabia]]]]
An absolute monarchy is a [[monarchy]] in which the [[monarch]] rules without legal limitations. This makes it distinct from [[constitutional monarchy]] and [[Crowned republic|ceremonial monarchy]].{{sfn|Ezrow|Frantz|2011|pp=240–241}} In an absolute monarchy, power is limited to the royal family, and historical factors establish legitimacy. Monarchies may be dynastic, in which the royal family serves as a ruling institution similar to a political party in a one-party state, or non-dynastic, in which the monarch rules independently of the royal family as a personalist dictator.{{sfn|Ezrow|Frantz|2011|p=259}} Monarchies allow for strict rules of succession that produce a peaceful transfer of power on the monarch's death, but this can also result in succession disputes if multiple members of the royal family claim a right to succeed.{{sfn|Ezrow|Frantz|2011|p=254}} In the modern era, absolute monarchies are most common in the [[Middle East]].{{sfn|Ezrow|Frantz|2011|pp=46–48}}