Political Science 2237E Lecture 8: Week 8 - Machiavelli and the Origins of Modern Political Theory
8 Nov 2017
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Document Summary
Florence became a republic that had a mixed constitution and was relatively democratic. Writes the prince due to italy at the time. Beginning of the end of city states. Development of larger more cohesive nation states. How-to guide for rulers as the age of the nation-state is taking hold. Create a larger, stronger political unit (in terms of italy in city states) No higher purpose to life or predetermined path other than what people decided to do for themselves. Must create new political institutions to ensure longevity. Power is the essence of politics, controlling others by compelling obedience. Politics must be this way because people are unreliable, ckle, prone to changing our minds. The prince must be able to rely on consistent support. 2 things the prince can rely on: ingenuity and skill must be clever and skillful as a political operator (preferable to good fortune, good fortune luck, opportunity, fate.
