ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Succession crisis

Imagine you and your siblings all want to be the next leader of your family's company. But your parents didn't leave a clear plan for who gets to be the boss after they retire. This is like a succession crisis.

A succession crisis happens when there is confusion or disagreement about who will become the new leader of a country or an organization after the current leader dies or steps down. This can happen for many reasons, such as when there is no clear plan for succession or when different people or groups have different ideas about who should take over.

In some cases, a succession crisis can lead to conflict, like when two or more people claim the right to be the new leader and try to take control by force. This can be very dangerous and has sometimes led to wars or other violent conflicts.

To avoid a succession crisis, leaders and organizations typically create clear plans for who will take over after they leave, and make sure everyone understands and agrees to those plans. This helps ensure that the transition of power is peaceful and that the organization can continue to function effectively even after the current leader is gone.