succession struggle; succession race
Refers to a contest or conflict among candidates to become the next leader, heir, or successor in an organization, family, or political context.
After the president retired, the succession struggle intensified.
He lost the succession race and left the company.
後継者 means 'successor' (the person), while 後継者争い is the struggle or competition for that position.
跡目争い is a near-synonym also meaning 'succession dispute', often used in traditional or family business contexts.
Compound of 後継者 (successor) + 争い (struggle, dispute).