The rise and downfall of dynastic female leaders in Asia

This chapter argues that the female leaders’ succession to political power, which was often organized by the followers of the deceased or persecuted male politician, was largely due to their being portrayed as the rightful political heirs to their husbands or male relatives. A dynastic successor was chosen with the primary aim of uniting a political party, faction, or movement behind them. Women have, perhaps counterintuitively, benefited from their association with the family in traditional female roles, which is why they were often called “mother”, “sister”, or “aunt” by their supporters. The chapter examines how once in power, female dynastic leaders in Asia faced challenges from male allies turned rivals often led to political destabilization. It explores how several female leaders were caught up in corruption scandals. The chapter also examines how some female leaders lost international support while others angered domestic opponents when they put what they considered defense of national interests before human rights and/or democratic procedures.