World History Assignment 7 - Renaissance Politics
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Nov 24, 2024
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RENAISSANCE POLITICS Ilham Shashaah
Virtual High School
November 10, 2023
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PART 1
Modern Political Leaders and Machiavellian Traits
Machiavellian traits are personality characteristics that reflect a high degree of self-
interest, manipulation, deceit, and lack of morality in pursuit of power and influence. Some modern political leaders exhibit some or all of these traits. Russia's Vladimir Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and China's Xi Jinping are well known for their Machiavellian tendencies. These leaders use their ambition, exploitative nature, and manipulativeness to their advantage and have displayed a willingness to use violence, intimidation, and censorship to suppress dissent and opposition, and to maintain their control over their countries. They have also been accused of corruption, human rights violations, and interference in other countries' affairs.
However, not all Machiavellian leaders are necessarily evil or ineffective. Some may use their traits strategically and selectively, depending on the circumstances and the goals. Researchers have argued that Machiavellian leaders can be effective if they have high political skill, which is the ability to influence others, build social capital, and manage impressions. Political skill can help Machiavellian leaders to use their transformational behaviors, such as inspiring vision, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration, to gain the trust and support of their followers, while hiding their dark motives and actions. Politically skilled Machiavellian leaders include Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela.
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Agreement with Machiavelli's Ideas
Niccolò Machiavelli was a 16th-century Italian diplomat and political philosopher. His book, The Prince
, is a guide for rulers on how to acquire and maintain power. Machiavelli's ideas
are based on his observation and analysis of the political reality of his time, which was characterized by instability, conflict, and fragmentation. He was concerned with the preservation and unification of Italy, and he proposed some principles and guidelines for political leaders to achieve and maintain their power and authority. On the other hand, he was not concerned with the morality or ethics of his advice, but rather with the effectiveness and necessity of his actions.
To an extent, I agree with some of Machiavelli's ideas, such as the need for strong leadership, the importance of military and political competence, and the recognition of the role of
fortune and human nature in politics. I believe these ideas are still relevant and applicable in today's world. I also appreciate his realism and pragmatism, as well as his historical and empirical approach to political science.
However, to a larger extent, I disagree with some of his other ideas, such as the preference for fear over love, the justification of cruelty and deception, and the disregard for the common good and the public interest. These ideas are harmful and counterproductive in the long run, as they can erode the trust, loyalty, and cooperation of the people, and invite resistance, rebellion, and retaliation. It is paramount to comprehend that these ideas are incompatible with the values and norms of democracy, human rights, and social justice, which are essential for the development and well-being of the society.
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a) Is it better to be loved or feared?
Machiavelli argued that it is better to be feared than loved, if one cannot be both, because
fear is more reliable and consistent than love, which is fickle and fragile. He believed that people
are more likely to obey and respect a leader who can punish them severely, than a leader who can reward them moderately. Fear, as Machiavelli stated, does not depend on the goodwill of the people, but on the will of the leader.
In rebuttal of this ideology, fear is not a sustainable or effective way of leading, because it can breed resentment, hatred, and defiance among the people, who may seek to overthrow or undermine the leader when they have the chance. In contrast, love is not a weak or unreliable emotion, but a powerful and enduring one, that can inspire loyalty, devotion, and sacrifice among
the people, who may follow and support the leader even in times of difficulty and danger. It holds true that love does not depend on the generosity of the leader, but rather, the gratitude of the people.
b) Winners take all
Machiavelli asserted that winners take all, meaning that the successful leader should not be content with partial or moderate achievements, but should strive to conquer and dominate everything and everyone. He said that the leader should not be afraid of being accused of cruelty,
violence, or injustice, as long as he can secure his power and glory. In his opinion, a leader should not be concerned with the opinions or judgments of others, but only with the results and consequences of his actions.
That being said, “winners take all” is a dangerous and destructive mentality, that can lead
to arrogance, greed, and aggression, and that can provoke hostility, envy, and opposition from others. A successful leader should not be obsessed with absolute or excessive achievements, but
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should seek to balance and harmonize his interests and goals with those of others. A true leader should not be indifferent or insensitive to the feelings or values of others as they should respect and acknowledge them.
c) The need for strong leadership
Machiavelli emphasized the need for strong leadership, meaning that the leader should be
able to exercise his authority and influence over his subjects and his rivals, and to maintain his control and stability over his state and his territory. He said that the leader should be able to adapt and respond to the changing circumstances and situations, and to use his skills and resources to overcome the challenges and threats. A leader, in accordance with Machiavelli, should be able to inspire and motivate his followers and allies, and to use his charisma and reputation to gain their trust and support.
I agree with this emphasis, however, also qualify it by saying that strong leadership does not mean authoritarian or dictatorial leadership, that can oppress or exploit the people, and that can isolate or alienate the leader from his environment. In addition, strong leadership does not mean inflexible or rigid leadership, that can resist or ignore the feedback or input of others, and that can limit or constrain the leader’s options and opportunities. In my opinion, strong leadership does not mean self-centered or egotistical leadership, that can neglect or disregard the needs or interests of others, and that can damage or diminish the leader’s character and integrity.
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Bibliography
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