Applying Machiavelli to the career of Ed Milliband. By drawing the audiences attention on some of the key points in Milibands career path, included in the reviewed book, Gray is attempting to determine, whether or not the Machiavellian vir

While at the beginning of his career he seemed as a malleable political figure (Gray, 2011), in his political decisions over the preceding months, he’s continuously presenting determination, confidence and mainly willingness to do what is requisite to ensure his success in the next elections. A prominent example of such motivation is his ‘acknowledgment of the need for change in Labour’ (Gray, 2011). Initially it looked appropriate, although against his ‘main rival in the leadership race’ –David Miliband (Gray, 2011). Nevertheless, he is not to be blamed. What’s more, as Machiavelli praised Cesare Borgia for his coolness, society should, more or less, praise Miliband, as well for putting ‘political necessity’ (Gingel, 2000, p.3) first. Indeed, this is how a truly ‘virtuoso’ Prince would have acted in Machiavelli’s view.

However, it is not only lion’s boldness and ruthlessness what necessity and leadership require. So as to being a victorious Prince, one should meanwhile learn to be as cunning as fox, claims Machiavelli. Acquiring the ‘instinctive sense where power lies’ and being crafty tactician seems to be the key to victory. This is, basically, what Miliband did during the News-of-the-World scandal and ‘Cameron’s Libyan adventure’ (Gray, 2011). In the course of the former, he managed to seize an excellent opportunity and act sensibly, toughly and, most importantly daringly, insisting "She should go…” meaning Brookes have to face the music, (Stratton, July 2011). While, during the latter he acted quite strategically and virtuously, at the same time.        In our day and age, almost anyone is valiant enough to produce a ‘mirror for princes’ (Skinner, 1981), like Machiavelli did 500 years ago, giving the leaders of his time how-to guide – how to gain power and how to effectively maintain it. His work is profoundly derived from his personal experience as a diplomat, ambassador and military commander for the Florentine Republic and knowledge of history.  As Machiavelli used his examination of the live of Moses, Cyrus and Theseus in order to deduce what’s necessary for saving Italy, so needs to do Miliband, learn from history, according to Powell (2010) – look back in Labour’s history, in order to eventually achieve his goal. Historical precedent is the finest teacher for a politician. If one manages to handle it efficiently, that will inevitably enable him to resist Fortune’s twists and turns and ‘attain his noblest ends’ (Machiavelli, cited in Skinner, 2000, p.39).  

A prince (or party leader) has to read history, know his territory and people in order to master ‘Machiavelli’s art’ (Prezzolini, 1968). Therefore, he will learn from the mistakes of the past and won’t allow them a second time. But is Miliband wise enough to employ this, remains to be seen, as is not yet certain if his virtues would be enough for a leadership position. However, such historical deductions are not only a valuable insight for would-be politicians but also amongst the most significant reasons why Machiavelli is as relevant as he was in 16th Century Italy in nearly every walk of modern life. We may not be completely like the world he’s been in, but there are parts of our world, which are as chaotic, and there’s definitely lesson to be learnt. Gingel (2000, p.7) argues that the greatest relevance of Machiavelli’s thought is in the possibility of his ideas being used in a different ways by various people. Ideas about the ‘uses and abuses’ of power (Gingel, 2000, p.7), consistently characterizing our contemporary life.

4. Bibliography

1. Gray, J. (2011, July 15). Are Ed Milliband's Machiavellian virtues enough? The Guardian .
2. Machiavelli, N. ,The Prince. 
3. Powell, J. (2010). The New Machiavelli. London: The Bodley Head.
4. Prezzolini, G. (1968). Machiavelli. London: Robert Hale Limited.
5. Skinner, Q. (1981). Machiavelli. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
6. Skinner, Q. (2000). Machiavelli: A very Short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press
7. Stratton, A. (2011, July 7). Ed Miliband and Ken Clarke react to News of the World closure. The Guardian.

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