DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, written in 1513 and published posthumously in 1532, is one of the most influential political treatises in Western thought. It is a pragmatic guide to power, leadership, and statecraft, particularly in the context of Renaissance Italy’s fractured political landscape. Machiavelli’s work departs from the idealistic, moralistic traditions of political philosophy and instead adopts a realpolitik approach that prioritizes results over ethical considerations.

Let’s explore…

Purpose and context

Machiavelli wrote The Prince during a period of political instability in Italy, after being exiled from Florence when the Medici family regained control. The book is dedicated to Lorenzo de’ Medici, possibly as an attempt to regain favor. However, its primary purpose is broader—it serves as a handbook for rulers who seek to acquire, maintain, and consolidate power effectively. Machiavelli draws from history, contemporary events, and personal experiences to craft a theory of governance rooted in pragmatism and the realities of human nature.

Types of principalities and means of acquisition

Machiavelli categorizes states into hereditary and new principalities.

• Hereditary principalities are easier to govern, as long-standing traditions and established rule provide stability.
• New principalities, whether acquired by force, fortune, or merit, require greater effort to maintain, as they lack historical legitimacy.

A prince can acquire power through:

1. Personal virtù (Ability and skill) – A ruler who rises through intelligence, strength, and political acumen is more likely to maintain authority.
2. Fortune (Luck or external circumstances) – While luck can bring a prince to power, it is unreliable, and rulers must adapt to changing conditions.
3. Crime or cruelty – Some rulers seize power through deceit and violence. Machiavelli argues that while such methods can be effective, they must be applied strategically to avoid public resentment.
4. The Will of the people or nobles – A prince may gain power with the support of either the common people or the nobility, each posing different challenges.

The role of force and deception

One of Machiavelli’s most controversial arguments is that rulers should not be bound by conventional morality when it comes to securing power. He famously states that it is preferable to be feared than loved if one cannot be both. Fear is a stronger and more reliable motivator than affection, as people are fickle and self-interested. However, a ruler must avoid being hated, as excessive cruelty can incite rebellion.

Deception is also a crucial tool of governance. Machiavelli argues that rulers should appear virtuous while being willing to act immorally when necessary. He uses the metaphor of the lion and the fox: a ruler must be both strong like a lion to fend off enemies and cunning like a fox to outmaneuver adversaries.

The role of the military

Machiavelli strongly advocates for a ruler to maintain a well-trained, loyal military. He criticizes reliance on mercenaries and auxiliary troops, arguing that they are undisciplined, unreliable, and often betray their employers. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of national armies composed of a ruler’s own subjects, as they are more invested in the state’s success.

Fortune and free will

One of The Prince’s philosophical underpinnings is the relationship between fortune (fortuna) and free will (virtù). While fortune controls much of human affairs, it can be tamed by a ruler’s decisive action. Machiavelli likens fortune to a violent river that can be either navigated or controlled through foresight and preparation. He encourages rulers to be bold, adaptable, and proactive rather than passive victims of circumstance.

The use of cruelty and mercy

Machiavelli examines whether it is better for a prince to be cruel or merciful. He acknowledges that cruelty can be necessary, especially in times of disorder. However, it must be executed swiftly and decisively to instill fear without breeding long-term resentment. Conversely, excessive mercy can lead to disorder and encourage lawlessness. Thus, a prince must strike a balance, ensuring stability while maintaining his subjects’ loyalty.

Religion and politics

While Machiavelli does not dismiss religion outright, he treats it as a political tool rather than a moral force. He acknowledges the Catholic Church’s influence over politics but warns against allowing religious dogma to interfere with pragmatic governance. He praises rulers who use religion to unify and control their subjects while maintaining a realistic approach to statecraft.

Machiavellian ethics and legacy

Machiavelli’s ideas in The Prince have often been interpreted as ruthless and amoral, giving rise to the term “Machiavellian,” which describes political cunning, deceit, and realpolitik. However, some scholars argue that Machiavelli was not advocating tyranny but rather describing the harsh realities of power and providing guidance for effective leadership. His work laid the foundation for modern political science, influencing thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, Friedrich Nietzsche, and contemporary political strategists.

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The Prince remains a seminal work in political philosophy, offering a starkly realistic perspective on leadership and governance. Machiavelli’s emphasis on power, adaptability, and pragmatism continues to shape political thought, making his work as relevant today as it was in Renaissance Italy. Whether viewed as a manual for despotism or a pragmatic guide to effective rule, The Prince remains a crucial text for understanding the mechanics of political power.