Introduction Niccolò Machiavelli's fundamental work of political science, The Prince, addressed to a prince of the then powerful Medici family of Florence, has been the subject of much debate in over the centuries since it was published. Denounced by many as a shameless and unapologetic map of despotism, it has also been read as a careful treatise on the ultimate responsibilities of a government to its citizens. It is impossible, of course, to know Machiavelli's true intentions when he wrote this treatise: whether his intentions were knowingly nefarious and the work was intended only to curry favor with Lorenzo de Medici, or whether he truly saw a better method of obtaining and exercising power. and the right to do so. The only thing through which this intention can be established is the text itself. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Fortunately, the text has survived intact during the nearly five centuries since its first publication, so this decision can be made with the certainty that Machiavelli's intentions have not been bastardized by editorial interventions of textual degradation. Unfortunately this does not diminish the degree of ambiguity of the text, nor the subjective needs of its interpretation. Using modern examples of political motivations and actions, it is in fact possible to see both a malevolent and authoritarian intent and an even more radical sense of civic duty and responsibility on the part of the prince or sovereign towards the people he governs. Both interpretations are supported by textual evidence in The Prince, and both can equally be seen in modern political events. A replacement of moral virtue with a Machiavellian ethic Probably the most common interpretation of the Prince, and the one that gave rise to the term "Machiavellian" and its current meaning of political opportunism and unscrupulous authoritarianism, is that Machiavelli affirms the right of the prince to exercise what is essentially absolute power and to use any means necessary and effective to obtain and maintain that power. He insists, for example, that princes who obtain foreign lands should weaken neighboring lands wherever possible, so as to be their leader and defender.1 He also speaks many times about the importance of appearing one way while in reality it is l 'exact opposite, like appearing liberal with money while actually being spendthrift.2 This type of Machiavellian behavior can be clearly seen by many Republicans in the current climate, who decry the national deficit as the work of Democrats who are now in power despite having contributed to create this deficit themselves, despite many protests from the democrats.3 Such foresight, Machiavelli argues, is necessary for power in a civil principality.4 He also suggests that the creation of a need for protection can bind a people to an unfavorable ruler, which can certainly be seen as applicable to many modern political situations, including that of budget concerns.5 In this way, Machiavelli argues, the people will be friendly towards the leader during difficult times; protecting them during seemingly difficult times leads to protection of the prince himself at the hands of the people during actual difficult times.6 Machiavelli also asserts that the appearance of unmistakable animosity toward one's enemies is necessary for respect.7 Rush Limbaugh's recent comments regarding “Mr. Obama's candidacy – his refusal to bestow the honorific title of leader of the nation – is a modern example of this practice.8 It also highlights the determination ofLimbaugh to comment negatively or positively in loud terms everything that comes to his attention, which is another quality Machiavelli makes for an effective leader.9 Even when such attitudes appear as a vice, he argues, they can only help strengthen the leader's position .10 This type of self-conscious manipulation is often cited as evidence of Machiavelli's bad intentions. The Responsibility of Government Despite these seemingly nefarious methods, however, The Prince can also be read primarily as a treatise concerning governmental motivations; all the “evils” that Machiavelli recommends to the prince are, ultimately, for the good of the State.11 Too often Machiavelli is seen as a desire for power as an end in itself, when in reality the consolidation and maintenance of power is power it is a means to the moral good of a strong state.12 This is the truly radical project that Machiavelli has in mind, and in many ways it is actually a precursor to several ideas of the Reformation and the Enlightenment. He does not simply ascribe new powers to the government and the monarch, but also new responsibilities, and indeed the former derive from the latter and are intended to assist them.13 This can be clearly seen throughout the text of The Prince and at work in modern situations. The new administration's stated aim to return to diplomacy as a source of power rather than pure militarism reflects a leader's responsibility to the people he or she leads or influences, even if they belong to another sovereign nation.14 This is directly in line with Machiavelli's statements in The Prince; although it places military power in a position of supreme importance, it is a matter of defense.15 Furthermore, although Machiavelli advocates a certain level of duplicity when dealing with citizens and subjects, actual physical defense cannot be simulated, and must be undertaken . for the good of the citizens.16 Above all, Machiavelli insists that a leader cannot lead effectively and safely without the respect and admiration of his people, or at the very least must not be despised.17 To achieve this, insists that a leader must appear resolute, immutable and uncompromising.18 Recent criticism of Sweden, which has so far maintained marked neutrality in world affairs, is evidence of the weakening of leadership that comes from an appearance of opinion and involvement changeable and easily persuasive.19 What matters to Machiavelli is not having and maintaining power, but the correct use of that power to maintain a stable state. The prince's maintenance of an air of honor and an extreme display of competence allows for this stability. written in the margins. It is certain that Machiavelli's primary intent was to illuminate the nature of political power in the Western world of his time. Every time he advocates a means of obtaining or securing power, however, he also qualifies it with a reason.2122 This suggests that he has a deeper motive in mind than simply showing Lorenzo de Medici how to ensure the continuity of his own power . Indeed, his final chapter suggests a very noble, necessary, and immediate purpose for his methods, and thus one can see that Machiavelli's purpose was to outline the use of evil for good purposes.23 Machiavelli, of course, did not would have seen his recommendations are considered evil, precisely because they had good intentions.24 The same is true for many supporters of the “don't ask, don't tell” policy; although many are morally opposed to the idea of ​​forcing homosexuals to hide their identities, some consider it necessary for the common good.25 Appearance, Machiavelli emphasizes, is of the utmost importance for a leader, and in many cases.