Political Thinking – POL 161 Erik Rankin The Prince, Machiavelli 5-33

Dedication To whom did Machiavelli dedicate the book? He states that his book is simple in style and not worthy of his audience Who is the audience? This is Machiavelli’s “understanding of the deeds of great men” Intentions are to help Lorenzo de Medici become a prominent prince

Chapter I Description of the different kinds of states All states are either republics or principalities Principalities are dived into hereditary or new New principalities are either completely new or appendages to existing states New principalities are acquired by a Prince through fortune or strength by his army or armies of others

Chapter II Will not talk of republics, that was dealt with in the Discourses It is easier to govern a hereditary state than a new principality (2 reasons) –People are used to the rule of the Prince’s family, only need to adapt to time –Subjects are to love the ruling family in a heredity state, unless the Prince does something awful to the people Even if the state is taken, it will be easy to win back because the people love the former Prince

Chapter III “For it must be noted, that men must either be caressed or else annihilated…”(read bottom of p.37) In a new principality people will trade one new ruler for another willingly Even if they are ineffective the people will still cause disorder As soon as the Prince takes power he is in danger of losing it –He cannot promise their lot will improve –He cant be too hard because the people helped him secure the principality

Chapter III As far as revolts go, a precedent can be set to punish the rebels harshly to avoid future revolts Normally, a Prince cannot treat subjects deplorably, this changes in a revolt It is easier to maintain control if the Prince speaks the language of the people Machiavelli suggest 2 things to maintain control of a new principality –Kill the former Prince and his family –Maintain old taxes and laws People tend not to care if their way of life is not interrupted

Chapter III A new Prince should move to the area he is trying to control –Problems can be dealt w/ quickly –Local officials can be watched –The people will be close to their ruler –The Good will show off and the Bad will be deterred by the Prince’s proximity Establishment of colonies is suggested –Cheaper than military occupation –Only people it hurts are the poor and who cares what they think!

Chapter III “Men must be loved or annihilated” –Only those who pose no threat of revenge should be injured –What does this mean? –Don’t set up military bases, they will only cause the people to be unsettled –Unsettled people could become a threat If you occupy a foreign land, the Prince should dominate the other surrounding states –Make the strong weak –Weak states will side with you, because hey, they are weak! –Prince must dominate all to maintain his position

Chapter III Prince needs to fix problems ASAP, most power struggles can be minimized if dealt with early Man, naturally desires more (think Matrix & Fight Club) –Men who get more should have their ego stroked –Rulers who cannot get more should be condemned If is state is to be held the Prince must grasp 2 things –Statecraft –Warcraft War is inescapable; it can only be postponed, to the enemies benefit!

Chapter IV 2 ways to govern a principality 1.Prince & appointed ministers All are still under the Prince 2.Prince & nobles Nobles achieve their power via birthright and have their own subjects Guess which one Machiavelli liked? Why? Who is more likely to revolt against the Prince? What type of state is easier to take over? Why? Which one is easier to hold onto?

Chapter V 3 ways to hold states that are used to their own laws 1.Devastate them 2.Occupy them 3.Maintain old laws, establish an oligarchy to keep them friendly, and charge taxes #3 is the best option, it allows for the oligarchy to work hard and protect the interest of the Prince Destruction is easily the most certain Choosing not to destroy puts the Prince in a situation to be destroyed himself –This will always be a problem

Chapter V Cities that have been ruled by Princes before have no problem submitting after the old family is destroyed –These folks are used to obeying and care little who they follow because they know little of freedom Republics are different –Memory of former liberty never die

Chapter VI Princes should mimic the examples set by rulers before them –If he should fail, your reputation will still show you to be powerful Goes on the speak of Moses, Cyrus, Romulus and Theseus as great examples Rulers that rely on prowess (talent) rather than fortune (luck) are usually more successful Harder to obtain power with prowess but it is easier held New orders are hard to establish but those with prowess can become strong, secure & respected

Chapter VII Sometimes a citizen can become a prince by fortune –They get there by bribery –This makes them weak and unstable in terms of holding power –Soldiers are not loyal to them –No good problem solvers –Lack the foundation of those with power through prowess A prince can gain power by fortune easily but will have great difficulty holding it

Chapter VII A solid foundation is a must A prince needs to eliminate rival leaders and win favor of his followers Example of Cesare Borgia –Son of Pope Alexander VI –Made Duke of Romagna –Lost power even though he did all to maintain it –He used force in conquering foreign lands –He tried to make him self feared and loved at the same time –Created a loyal army and killed disloyal troops –His father died which revered his fortune