Machiavelli's The Prince
Machiavelli's The Prince is often regarded as the beginning of political science as we now understand the term. Political theory is much older, at least as old as Plato, but it was "static," seeking an ideal of the state, based for example on a conception of happiness (Plato 369ff). Machiavelli introduced a way of thinking about political dynamics: how political leaders can respond to ever-changing circumstances in the real world. The Prince is essentially a handbook for political leaders. Most specifically it is a handbook for "princes" of the Renaissance Italian type - in modern terms, dictators or strongmen, who have little institutional or traditional basis of legitimacy, and are kept in power largely by their own personal prestige, backed up if necessary by force. Hereditary monarchs, born to long-established dynasties, have the additional support of people's loyalty to long-established dynasties (Machiavelli 5-6). Machiavelli also wrote another book, The Discourses, which is in effect a guidebook for republics, and foreshadows many ideas found in the American Constitution. The Prince, however, deals with power p
In contrast, a ruler is perceived as strong when "his actions show grandeur, spirit, gravity, and fortitude" (67). Grandeur, in this sense, does not mean building presidential palaces, but projecting a tone of energy and confidence. In power politics, perception is three-fourths of reality. "And above all," Machiavelli says, "a prince must endeavor ... to obtain fame for being great and excellent" (83). In modern terms, a leader must foster a psychology of success, which will win public confidence and intimidate would-be rivals. Perception is what underlies Machiavelli's suggestion that it is better to be feared than loved (Machiavelli 60-63). We may feel affection for a leader, but if he seems weak, we may be tempted to take his place (perhaps easing him into retirement if we can). We will be far less tempted if we fear the consequences. However - and this is crucial to understanding Machiavelli's thought - "feared" in this sense does not mean hated. A leader who is too ruthless in crushing would-be rivals may end up creating enemies, if people feel so oppressed that they have nothing to lose by rebelling. In fact, fear is a weapon to be used mainly agai
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Approximate Word count = 790
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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