So one way I could see monarchy returning to relevance in the Western world is through a renewed emphasis on personal union in the face of secession.

(Hi, I’m personal union. You may remember me from such historical powers as the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Iberian Union. I’m here to remind you that the rule of distinct countries by the same human monarch is a form of government that exists even outside of the Europa Universalis game series.)

If the Scottish secession referendum passes, and/or regional secessionist movements in Spain achieve any success, I could see a movement to cede authority currently held by parliaments back to the respective monarchies as a way to hold on to geopolitical economies of scale in the face of civil disunion. That’s something the NRxics should be keeping their eye on.