Sukjong of Joseon vs Sultan Qaboos

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction, accusing them of plotting treason. He replaced them with the Westerners, who then split into Noron and Soron factions. This marked the beginning of Sukjong's pattern of switching factions to maintain royal power.

Sukjong purged the Westerners faction after a dispute over the succession of his son (later Gyeongjong). He reinstated the Southerners, who supported the son. This purge solidified the Soron faction's influence and deepened factional hatred.

Sukjong purged the Southerners faction again, accusing them of plotting against Queen Inhyeon. He reinstated the Westerners (Noron faction). This was the third major purge of his reign, demonstrating his strategy of balancing factions.

Sukjong implemented the Daeedongbeop, a uniform land tax system that replaced various tribute payments with a single rice tax. This simplified taxation, reduced corruption, and increased state revenue, though it burdened peasants in some regions.

Qaboos bin Said overthrew his father, Sultan Said bin Taimur, in a palace coup. He assumed power and immediately began modernizing Oman, ending decades of isolation and initiating a rapid transformation of the country's infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Qaboos led the Omani military, with support from British, Iranian, and Jordanian forces, to defeat the Marxist Dhofar Rebellion. The victory consolidated his rule and secured Oman's borders, allowing him to focus on development.

Qaboos promulgated Oman's first written constitution, the Basic Statute, which defined the powers of the sultan, established a bicameral advisory council, and guaranteed basic rights. It was a step toward limited political participation without full democracy.

Qaboos facilitated secret talks between the United States and Iran that led to the framework for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). His mediation showcased Oman's role as a neutral diplomatic broker in the Middle East.