Machiavelli said that in order to build a stronger nation, a leader must subdue all the factions existing in his alleged territory. In order to successfully do so, one must make sure that he is stronger than the others, thus forming allies is necessary. When choosing allies, one must not easily settle for the ones stronger than himself because they wouldn't think twice about pulverizing a puny, ambitious being who just conquered a new territory. On the one hand, one must not also settle for the weakest ones because of what use could they be other than contributions to the body count? They will be nothing more than liabilities. A wise leader would choose allies who are weaker than himself, but strong enough to make significant contributions to the invasion of the territory.
After acquisition of the territory, the leader still has no room for merrymaking. Remember that your allies are not your friends; they are just mere instruments you used to successfully carry-out a personal plan. They themselves have personal plans. You can bet that time will come that they will scheme to overthrow you. A wise leader will nip it in the bud. Attack them while they still think that you're in good terms with them. And deliver a blow that will completely annihilate them so they wouldn't spring out again for retribution.
In politics, there is no peace. Everyone is watching his own back, even in the company of what he calls allies. Diplomacy is not a plea for peace, but a bargaining session. In politics, a leader only considers giving when a gun is pointed at his brains, but later on he'll get back at you for it.
Politics is a game for the sly, the cunning and the Machiavellian.
isn't the Discourse Machiavelli's claim to fame book? :)
ReplyDeleteanyway similarly about the discussion, it was amazing how this man in the times of the renaissance, when people were so caught up with themselves enjoying grand wealth and beautiful lifestyle, have carried out a book that is intelligent and well planned. It was during the renaissance when there was a high disregard of civil authorities. it was unexpected for a person to have so much passion in trying to unify the people, given such situation.
No. "The Prince" was really Machiavelli's claim-to-fame book.
ReplyDeleteMachiavelli indeed existed in a time of prosperity, but he, being an expert in politics, knew that everything would someday fall apart if Italy would be defeated by the armies of a stronger nation. I think that is one reason why he wrote "The Prince." Besides political reasons, he also wanted to protect the place he loves so much.