Was Count Dooku Truly a Sith Despite His Title?

In the expansive universe of Star Wars, Count Dooku's role in the Sith hierarchy is a subject of much debate. Some argue that despite his title as a Sith Lord, Dooku was merely a pawn and not a true Sith. Others contend that he was a genuine Sith, albeit a lesser one who would never become the successor of Darth Sidious. Let's explore this controversy in more depth.

Count Dooku as a Sith Pawn

Count Dooku was originally intended to serve as the public face of the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars. According to Sith lore, Count Dooku served as a Sith Acolyte, a dark agent working for the Sith without ever becoming a full Sith Lord. Dooku's potential was fully realized, leaving little room for growth, and his role as a Sith Lord was more for tactical reasons than for ensuring his future as a Sith heir.
"Dooku was merely a useful tool for Darth Sidious."

However, with the apparent death of Darth Maul, Darth Sidious needed a new apprentice. Anakin Skywalker, though a valuable asset, was untouchable at that time and still too young for Sidious's immediate plans. As a result, Dooku was chosen as a placeholder.
"When he did become a Sith, he was already doomed. He was never meant to survive the Clone Wars as Darth Sidious had already planned for Tyranus to die at the hands of Anakin Skywalker at the wars end."

Dooku as a True Sith Lord

Despite the intended role as a pawn and sacrificial agent, Dooku was still a true Sith Lord. The title and the power that come with it were real, but the mantle of a true successor was never his. The Sith Rule of Two dictates that there must always be two Sith: a master and an apprentice. This rule is more of a philosophical concept than a strict order, and Darth Sidious governed by this but with his own interpretation. Dooku, however, was never seen as a true candidate for the mantle of reigning Dark Lord of the Sith.
"But one does not exclude the other. Dooku was still a true Sith Lord but not a genuine candidate or heir to the mantle of reigning Dark Lord of the Sith under the Rule of Two."

The Potential and Legacy of Other Sith Lords

While Dooku was a prodigy, his potential never matched that of another Sith Lord, such as Darth Maul or Darth Vader. Maul was born with a potential comparable to that of Darth Sidious himself, and Vader's connection to the Force was unparalleled. Dooku, in contrast, had already reached his peak, and his innate potential had been fully realized, providing little room for further development.
"Even Mace Windu had greater innate potential than Dooku."

Additionally, Count Dooku's reign as a Sith Lord was cut short by the perceived need for a more powerful successor. Despite his title and his abilities, Dooku was ultimately disposable, serving as a temporary solution until a more suitable candidate could be found.
"Darth Tyranus was never intended to survive the Clone Wars."

In conclusion, while Count Dooku held the title of Sith Lord, the interpretation of his role and potential by Darth Sidious reveals a more nuanced understanding of the Sith hierarchy and succession.