Machiavelli's Politics

Machiavelli, the great thinker of the Renaissance, who is best known for his study in the political systems of governments, has almost travelled all over the Europe.  He worked for de Medici where he also developed a science of politics.  He wanted this science of politics to be implemented in the society by the ruling class.” The Prince” by Machiavelli gives a clear idea about the achievement and maintenance of power by a political leader. Adolf Hitler and the great Napoleon Bonaparte are the two remarkable leaders who followed the Machiavelli’s Politics.

The difference one can find in Machiavelli’s Politics is that when there is change in government, Machiavelli always wants to be on the losing. So, he was not allowed to participate on politics. But his enthusiasm has not been quenched. He analyzed the political systems carefully and brought forth his political philosophy. He aimed for the betterment of the politicians. When Herbert Butterfield speaks about Machiavelli he wrote, "The essence of his teaching was the promotion of a more scientific statecraft and he made it clear that he wrote his books in order to produce an actual change in the practice of his day".

Machiavelli is considered as the father of the modern Politics. No wonder that his thoughts are still living in the world around with much flavor and appreciation.

There is one important concept Machiavelli followed, the concept of the lion and the fox. There are also evidences of man behaving like animals which was specifically provided by John Howard. Especially during the fall of Twin Tower, the agreement of the PM John Howard to consider the invoking of the ANZUS treaty is much like a lion and then his hope to swart the people behind the plane crash is much like the wolves. Similarly, when Howard joined the USA coalition which retaliated against the al-Qaeda and Afghanistan he behaved much like a lion. There are also observations that Howard behaved much like a lion except when he visited the USA to agree on the US offers.

Coming back to the book “The Prince” which is considered to be one of the first examinations of politics and science, the Machiavelli Politics define that a state can only be created if the people in it are cooperative and work hard to maintain it. To maintain the sovereignty of the state should be primary concern of everyone. The vital energy of a state is the power of its military. Machiavelli believed that men respect the power of the state but take advantage of its kindness.

Questions

• Who followed Machiavelli’s Politics?
• Who followed the lion and the fox concept?