Final answer:
The political succession in the Mamluk Sultanate was always unstable due to a lack of competent leaders, internal power struggles, and foreign interference.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political succession in the Mamluk Sultanate was always unstable due to a combination of factors:
- Lack of competent leaders: Succession did not typically descend from a sultan to his sons, and the army usually chose the new sultan. This resulted in potential leaders who may not have had the necessary skills or abilities to govern effectively.
- Internal power struggles: Mamluk sultans had numerous children who often fought among themselves for the throne. This led to constant infighting and instability within the ruling family.
- Foreign interference: The Ottomans routinely interfered in the choice of the new sultan, further undermining the stability of the Mamluk Sultanate.