A Modernization of Machiavellis The Prince
Machiavelli's The Prince has long been used and studied as a manual for those who are already in power or for those who wish to have power. Through rational thinking about political power, Machiavelli is the authoritative source on how one should lead and govern. To illustrate his points, Machiavelli uses many examples of leadership from his life and some from history before 1469. To many readers however these examples are not of relevance anymore because the examples are so dated. To bring the influence back into The Prince, we must put the work into a more modern context. In chapter 16, Machiavelli debates on whether it is better to be liberal or stingy in governing. In a leader both of these traits can be either beneficial or detrimental to leadership. Liberalism, if stopped, can cause those who one governs to believe that they are now stingy. Liberality is most dangerous for those already in power. The French Revolution, some would argue, started because of this scenario. When the French government got into outstanding debt the aristocracy turned to the people to bail them out. When the people were reluctant to this agreement with the noble classes, the middle class pleaded its case for economic reforms to help
In chapter 17 of The Prince, the discussion revolves around whether it is better to be feared or loved as a leader. Although all princes should strive for both, Machiavelli concludes that it is much better to be feared than loved. Many countries today use fear to control their population and rule effectively. Iraq's current dictator, Saddam Hussein, has used fear to control his large state since 1979. The country is very afraid of him and for good reason. It is common knowledge that anyone who would verbally or physically assault Saddam Hussein or his regime would most likely be executed. Many measures have been proposed to establish an International Court and try Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity. The U.S. House International Relations Committee describes "the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein [as one that has] created an environment of fear and terror within Iraq and throughout the region, with its gross violations of international law and human rights. The people of Iraq are subject to summary and arbitrary execution, torture, and repression of the freedom of speech". This description of the regime is exactly why Saddam Hussein has been able to maintain an iron grip on Iraq. When Hussein invaded Kuwait he put Machiavelli's opinion that "causes for taking property are never lacking, and he who begins to live on plunder is always finding cause to seize what belongs to others"
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Approximate Word count = 944
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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