In the context of a panel about dynastic succession rather than democratic transitions, this paper takes a comparative and international perspective. First it surveys the landscape, particularly of Arab republics, to see where heads of states seem to be grooming their sons or other relatives or cronies to assume leadership. In addition to the Moroccan and Jordanian kingdoms and the Syrian republic where sons have already replaced their fathers and the Gulf monarchies where members of royal families are expected to replace an aging generation, the Egyptian and Yemeni presidents seem inclined to enthrone their sons. Lebanon is a special case where party rather than national leadership often transfers to brothers or other family members. Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Sudan are worth investigating. (Are there perchance any daughters in the wings, as in Pakistan?) Secondly the paper will consider whether the United States and Europe have addressed issues of succession, and if so in what ways and to what possible effects. Are there patterns of contacts with favored sons of the Gulf's royal families or ruling families in the republicsc Is Yemen the only case where American aid has supported an institution, the Republican Guard, headed by the president's heir apparantr Conversely do democracy promotion policies or diplomatic communications favor democratic processes over potentially destabilizing transitionsi