Niccolo Machiavelli’s contribution to modern philosophical thought is perceived by pundits as one of the most interesting. Born in Florence in 1949, Machiavelli’s philosophical acumen came of age during his heydays as a servant in public offices and later as a chancellor and respected secretary (Giants para. 1). The social and political perspectives illustrated by the philosopher, mainly in The Prince, seem excessive even for the time-frame in which they were postulated, but still remain influential in the contemporary political landscape. It is the purpose of this paper to evaluate which parts of Machiavelli’s contributions could still be applicable in the modern world.
Machiavelli’s advice on how a prince should keep strong military forces and refrain from depending on allies in times of military conflict is certainly applicable in the modern world (Machiavelli & Connell 56). Machiavelli argued that a prince who ascends to power through the influence of other powerful figures or sheer luck will experience a lot of difficulties in sustaining his power over his subjects (Machiavelli & Connell 28). This assertion is witnessed today, especially in African countries where incumbent presidents aspire to handpick their successors using political patronage, resulting in outbreaks of war. The philosopher’s assertion that an incoming ruler must brace himself for difficult and often dangerous confrontations with the subjects in reforming an existing political dispensation still applies to date since individuals are naturally resistant to reforms (Machiavelli & Connell 38).
In one of his revolutionary perspectives, Machiavelli argued that a prince is always praised for not backtracking on his word. According to the philosopher, a prince derives praise for keeping his subjects in the delusion that he will keep his word even though he may only keep his word when his interests are at stake (Machiavelli & Connell 83). This advice still applies in the modern world in as far as the ruler should be viewed as an authority who keeps his word no matter the circumstances. Machiavelli also asserted that a prince should command admiration and respect from his subjects through his conduct (Machiavelli & Connell 87). According to the Philosopher, a ruler must also complete great achievements to be honored in his own country, not mentioning the fact that he must keep an inner group of counselors to offer true and objective advice on matters of national importance (Machiavelli & Connell 111). These assertions are still applicable today.
As a neophyte ruler, it is imperative to keep strong military forces to guard the country against external or internal aggression. Countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan have definitely failed to provide security for their citizens due to overreliance on foreign allies, notably U.S. and UK. As a novice ruler, I must find strategies to subdue my opponents if my ascension to leadership was based on political patronage rather than democratic process (Machiavelli & Connell 39). However, this strategy does not always bring desired results if mutinies witnessed in Africa are anything to go by.
The advice on how to stand strong in the face of confrontations occasioned by political reforms is a must keep. More often than not, a new ruler aspires to change the political landscape, which may include changing the entire political dispensation so that he may leave behind an era that is uniquely associated with his rule (Machiavelli & Connell 106). To achieve this is no mean feat, and as such, it is imperative to keep the Machiavellian perspective on establishing authority. The notion of keeping an inner circle of advisors is also essential since not only do these experts offer credible advice to the ruler, but they also serves to sell the ruler’s ideologies to citizens on the ground.
Although it is imperative to keep my word so that I may earn praise and loyalty (Machiavelli & Connell 72), I would disregard the notion of keeping my word for my own benefit or when my interests are at stake. It is a well known fact that leaders who strive to fulfill their own interests before meeting the needs of the citizens may be successful at the beginning, but their leadership end up being dictatorial, subjective, and prejudiced as was witnessed in Germany during Adolf Hitler’s reign.
I would also disregard the notion that it is better for my subjects to fear me than to love me as their leader (Machiavelli & Connell 79). This notion does not have a place in the 21st century’s political scene as citizens have become overly enlightened about their own rights and will willingly stage a rebellion than fear a ruler. The red shirts rebellion that is currently going on in Thailand is a good example of how modern-day citizens cannot be muzzled by the threat of fear from government machineries (Kaen para. 1). Lastly, I must disregard the notion that a ruler should not be exceedingly concerned about inculcating good qualities in leadership. Practice reveals that leadership goes hand in hand with individual qualities, and individuals with outstanding qualities are more likely to become good leaders.
References
Giants of Renaissance: Niccolo Machiavelli. (n.d.). Web.
Kaen, K. Rebellious Mood in Rural Thailand. The New York Times. (2010). Web.
Machiavelli, N., & Connell, W.J. The Prince: With Related Documents. New York, NY: Pocket Books. 2004