Niccolo Machiavelli. His views revolved around the ideas that one must do anything within his power to keep the influence and strength that he has attained. And according to him, this is best achieved by keeping the people in constant fear.

Many philosophers before Machiavelli had ventured into the unsure waters of the “ideal” state, what made Machiavelli unprecedented was his disinterest in perfection.  He had a pessimistic view of men, describing them as wicked, fickle and selfish.  Believing that all men really wanted was power, money and glory. Apart from negating the ideal, Machiavelli also disregarded the divine, concerning himself with the mundane yet real world.  For him all punishment and reward were in this world, and revolved around money and possession of power. Also, Machiavelli believed in writing about reality, the here and now, as opposed to the imaginary ideal.  To him “it seemed wiser to follow the real truth of the matter rather than what we imagine it to be”.  For example, Machiavelli was more interested in the distribution of resources in a society than reforming that society to “ideal” albeit imaginary perfection.  Machiavelli’s world was not based on the ifs and buts of the imagination but the harsh reality of survival; in his own words “how we live is so different from how we ought to live.”

 

Machaivelli believes that the state is only created if the people cooperate and work to maintain it. The state is also one of man’s greatest endeavors, and it takes precedence over everything else. It should be one’s primary focus, and maintaining its sovereignty one’s most vital concern. The state is founded on the power of its military. Hence a strong military is important for its survival. Machiavelli believes that men respect power, but they will take advantage of kindness. He believes that when given the opportunity one must destroy completely, because if one does not he will certainly be destroyed. An effective politician can make quick and intelligent choices about the problems that constantly arise before him. He must also have virtue, which means he is strong, confident, talented, as well as smart.

Machiavelli’s principles have widespread influence. He has a very low opinion of the people throughout history. In general, he feels that men are ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers, "They shun danger and are greedy for profit; while you treat them well, they are yours. They would shed their blood for you … but when you are in danger they turn against you." Machiavelli basically has little respect for the people, and he feels as though they have not earned much either. He uses this as justification for the use of fear in order to control people. Machiavelli tells us that the sovereign must take whatever action is necessary to maintain order in society. In time this will result in the most compassionate choice too. Machiavelli explains that, Cesare Borgia, by using cruelty was able to achieve order and obedience in Romangna. This contrast with the inaction of the Florentines, who allowed internal conflict to develop in Pistoia, resulting in devastation of the city. Therefore, a number of highly visible executions can be a very effective means of controlling the people and in preventing a major out break of violence and murder. Machiavelli also uses the tremendous military successes of Hannibal as an example to show us that even though Hannibal led an army of different races over foreign soil, he never had any dissension because of his reputation of extreme cruelty. Machiavelli beleived that it would be difficult to be loved and feared simultaneously. Hence, one should always prefer to be feared than to be loved. During adverse times, the fear of punishment is far more effective in maintaining control than depending upon people’s goodwill and love.

The Prince: -

Machiavelli’s book The Prince deals with the making of a society in which the people are corrupt.  “Machiavelli freely prescribes for the man who wishes to acquire power and glory in a corrupt republic by becoming a tyrant rather than a public-spirited reformer.”  Addressed to Lorenzo De Medici (the new ruler of Florence), The Prince’s aim is to tell a ruler how to become a good tyrant. According to Machiavelli a prince must posses the virtues that should have been present in a good society, such as physical power, intelligence, courage and above all must identify his own good with the good of society.  A prince should not be evil; he must prize the love of his people and must not act due to a personal agenda.  Another contradiction Machiavelli presents is in order to maintain rule, a prince must be willing to put aside his moral code. He should have no qualms about breaking his word or using violence if circumstances require so.  “He must be good and bad by turns, not as conscience alternating with passion dictates, but coolly, rationally, dispassionately, and expediency dictates”, thus would be the actions of a perfect tyrant.  For example, the totalitarian ruler should feed the masses if they are starving, but not hesitate to execute them if they try to revolt.

One of the most important concepts created in politics by Machiavelli is that of image.  The appearance of a prince should be virtuous and good, but he must not necessarily be that way.  Propaganda carried out by the ruler’s people should exult and glorify him, taking away the people’s attention from his real actions.  This idea, in my opinion, seems to have prevailed to our modern world.  Politicians images are engineered by professionals who make them seem like angels fallen from heaven, when the truth is probably the exact opposite. Public relations are one of the most important parts of a politician’s role in government, and spin-doctors are employed to clean up any mistake a politician may have made. Behind the persona, Machiavelli’s prince has certain qualities that help in make him successful.  He should be calculating, adaptable, restrain his passions and be able to play the fox and the lion (be sly or direct depending on the circumstances).  

In order to be successful, the prince should look for the support of the many, as the few will probably be the most corrupt in society.  The many on the other hand only look for security, of which the prince will provide only enough to keep them satiated, giving him the power and glory he seeks.  However, the prince should not alienate the few, never become the enemy of the dominant as they may the most harmful.  A rather ironic illustration of this point is that Machiavelli’s books themselves were written to gain the sympathy of the elite of Florence.

Machiavelli also talked about the foreign policies the prince of a state should employ. Firstly, the imperialist should appear to be leader of weaker states.  The hero of sorts who defends its weaker allies, a modern example of this would be the Americans “saving” the Afghans from the Taliban.  Also, the prince should establish coalitions, he should have the support if other states in any actions he makes on an international stage. Machiavelli also points out that neutrality is impossible on an international level, and that there is no such thing as a final solution in politics, there will always be a downside.

Machiavelli also believed in the element of fate in the destiny of a prince. “ We are the masters of only half our actions…Fortune, incalculable and uncontrollable circumstances, is master of the rest.”  Basically Machiavelli is telling the prince to always be prepared for the unknown, and not believe himself to be invincible. Another piece of advice Machiavelli gives to the prince is to always keep up with the times. Appear as your peers do, and go with the flow. A modern day example of Machiavelli’s philosophy is the UN bombing of Kosovo. The means of bombing cities and killing civilians for the end of overthrowing Slobodon Milosovich, seems to fulfil the Machiavellian criteria. Another example, that to me seems to have Machiavellian undertones is the American nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, during World War II. Wiping out entire cities is considered cruel and unusual tactics; however, it led to the end of the war, hence justifying the means.

Today success is still to those who can make quick and intelligent choices. The government is still supported most by its amount of power. However, countries are held accountable today, and few would agree that “the end justifies the means”.

 

Citation

• William T, Bluhm, Theories of the Political System

Machiavelli’s contributions to Political Theory

Sherna Shroff

I.D. – 1655

Introduction to politics

Mrs. Sandra Madi

21st October 2002

 

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