A kingdom is a state or country ruled by a king or a queen.[1] In Warcraft, however, the term is sometimes used in a more broader sense to serve as a synonym for "state" or "country" - the magocracy of Dalaran, the state of Kul Tiras and the city-state of Theramore have all been referred to as kingdoms despite not being ruled by royalty.
The abundance of kingdoms in Azeroth's eastern continent might explain its name: the Eastern Kingdoms.
Various kingdoms
The two great remaining kingdoms of Azeroth are Ironforge and Stormwind. Other surviving human kingdoms include Gilneas and Kul Tiras, while Lordaeron, Stromgarde and Alterac have been destroyed as political entities.
The high elves of Quel'Thalas were ruled by the Convocation of Silvermoon (with some power being held by the Sunstrider dynasty).
The blood elves of Quel'Thalas are ruled by the Regent Lord Lor'themar Theron.
The nightborne of Suramar are ruled by the First Arcanist Thalyssra.
Other types of government
The shielded city-state of Dalaran is ruled by a group of mages called the Kirin Tor, under a system referred to as a magocracy. The orcs, trolls, tauren, and various other races are ruled by a clan-based or tribal system, while the night elves share power between the leaders of their two main religious groups, the followers of Elune and the druids. The gnomish survivors of Gnomeregan are led by an elected official called the High Tinker.