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POWER AND STATE-

NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI (1469-1527)

Unit Structure:
1.1 Objective
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Theory of political power and Machiavelli
1.4 The prince and the central theme of prince
1.5 Why Machiavelli justified for a powerful state
1.6 Advise to the prince about statecraft
1.7 Evaluation of Machiavelli‟s political thought
1.7.1 Merits or contribution of Machiavelli‟s political thought
1.7.2 Criticism
1.8 Conclusion
1.9 Machiavelli on Ethics, religion and politics
1.10 Unit end questions

1.1 OBJECTIVES

To learn about powerful state and

To understand Machiavelli‟s thought of power and state.

1.2 INTRODUCTION

From Greek philosophy to Renaissance all philosophers and

thinkers dealt with the end of the state. They thought that the
political power of the state would be used as a means to achieve
further end. All political thinkers from Plato, Aristotle to the Middle
age (till 16th century) had concerned itself with the central question
of the end of the state and had considered state-power as a means
to a higher end conceived in moral terms. But Machiavelli adopted
a quite different line. To him the power of the state is the end of the
state. i.e. Every state must aim at maximizing its power. The failure
of the state it this enterprise will throw it into great turmoil.
Consequently he confined his attention to the means best suited to
the acquisition, retention and expansion of power.
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1.3 MACHIAVELLI‟S THEORY OF POLITICAL POWER

State is highest form of human association. It is indispensable

for the promotion of human welfare. State is to be worshipped even
by sacrificing the individual for the interest of the state. A ruler must
remember that whatever brings success is due to power. For
acquiring political power he can use any type of means. Political
statesman plays important role in organizing state, and providing it
with safety and security. Hence the major theme of the „Prince‟ is
the process of acquiring power. Modern power politics cannot be
thought of without any reference to Machiavelli and his book „The
Prince`.

1.4 “THE PRINCE” AND THE CENTRAL THEME OF

PRINCE

“The discourses” and “The art of war” were Machiavelli‟s

famous books. It contains analysis of body politics. “The Prince” is
a handbook on the “Art of government” and “State craft”. Hence it is
said that „The Prince‟ is not an academic work on political-science
but it is a book on the art of governance. It is in the form of advice
and addressed to any ruler.

1.5 WHY MACHIAVELLI JUSTIFIED FOR A

POWERFUL STATE

1) He acquired practical experience of politics of his time. He was

born in Florence, Italy in 1469 in a well-to-do family, when
Prince Medici was at the height of his power. At the age of 25,
he entered the government service as a clerk chancery. Within
a very short period he was appointed as an ambassador, After
that he became secretary of the king. Thus he acquired practical
experience of politics. His administrative and political
experience determined his views about politics.

2) Machiavelli lived in Renaissance Italy and was greatly

influenced by the new spirit of Renaissance. The intellectual
awakening injected rational scientific approach in every sphere
of human life, renaissance replaced the faith by reason. Italy
was the leader of Renaissance, the most modern and urbanized
country of Europe. But in Italy the wealth, intellect and artistic
achievements were accompanied by moral degradation and
political chaos. The worst aspect of the period during which
Machiavelli lived was the rampant corruption and selfishness
among the Italian rulers and the church officials Machiavelli
represents the culture which was undergoing a period of deep
political crisis. Italy consisted of a very large number of small but
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independent states. Some of these states like Florence and

Venice were republics, while others were ruled by despots.
Internally these states were the home of fierce political rivalries
and personal ambition and externally they were involved in a
constant struggle with one another. This political division of Italy
and the struggle between the states made the country weak and
a prey for the ambitions of the powerful neighbouring states of
France, Prussia and Spain. France invaded Italy and defeated
the Medici rulers. Machiavelli was witness to this tragedy. It was
out of this traumatic experience, that made Machiavelli conclude
that unless Italy was united under a strong central government,
the country would always remain under the threat of conquest
and annexation by neighbouring countries.

3. Suggested remedies on the plight of Italy Machiavelli was a true

partriot, thinking on the plight of Italy and to find remedies for
this. He suggested a strong and unscrupulous prince for the
Italy. He did not recommend the republican form of government
for Italy, as it presupposes virtuous, honest and patriotic
citizens, whereas the sixteenth century Italians were corrupt and
selfish. Hence Machiavelli suggested a strong and powerful
ruler for Italy.

4. Machiavelli was not interested in idealistic conception of the

state. His chief interest was concentrated in the unity of body
politic and power. He adopted an empirical method. He
seriously studied the past-from 4th century to 15th century of the
medieval age. This age was characterized by the Feudal state.
In this order king divided his dominions into many parts. Each
part granted to a noble or tenant chief. There were no common
laws and central authority. In short feudal system was a
confusion. Out of this confusion church emerged as the superior
authority. Result was continuous conflict between the spiritual
and temporal authorities. Pope claimed superiority over all the
princes. State (civil authority) was merely the police department
of the church. Thus a true national life could not grow in such a
system. He X-rayed the entire Italian society. The feudalism and
the church not only destroyed the identity and importance of the
state, but the state was considered sub-ordinate. But
Machiavelli completely divorced religion from politics. He broke
the medieval tradition that the political authority is under the
control of church. He made the state totally independent of the
church by saying that the state has its own rules of conduct to
follow, state is highest, supreme and autonomous. He said the
state is superior to all associations in the human society. He
rejected the feudal system and propounded all powerful central
authority, who is supreme over all institutions.
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5. The central theme of Machiavelli‟s political ideas is power. He

highlighted power as an essential ingredient of politics.
According to him moral code of individual prescribed by the
church cannot provide guidelines to the ruler. According to
Machiavelli a ruler must remember that whatever brings
success is due to power. For acquiring political power he can
use any type of Means. He said politics is a constant struggle
for power. All politics is power politics.

6. For Machiavelli absolute state was the End; and for this Means
was power. He said the sole aim of the „Prince‟ was to make the
country strong and united, establish peace and order and expel
the foreign invader. To achieve this end any means would be
satisfactory.

1.6 ADVISE TO THE PRINCE ABOUT STATECRAFT

Thus from above reasons Machiavelli‟s “The Prince” is in the

form of advice given to a ruler on the state craft. Some significant
aspects of the advise to the ruler are as follows:
1. Machiavelli elaborates the doctrine of „Raison D ‟Etat‟.
2. End justifies the Means.
3. State is sovereign, autonomus and non-religious.
4. A prince must combine the qualities of a lion and a fox.
5. Use a double standard of morality.
6. Favour despotic rule.
7. Maintain strong army.
8. Human nature is low and ungrateful, so Prince must consider
this nature of man.
9. He should win the popularity of his people must not touch the
property of the people.
10. A prince must have council of wise men and not of flatterers.
11. Separate politics from religion.
12. Remain free from emotions.

1. Machiavelli elaborates the doctrine of Raison D ‟Etat‟:

It means „Reason of state‟. It implies actions and policies
promoting safety and security of the state. Because the state must
preserve itself before it promotes the welfare of its people. For
preserving and safeguarding itself all means adopted by the state
are justified by Machiavelli. According to him in politics, one is
guided by the harsh realities of political life which is a struggle for
power and survival. The actions of the state must be judged only on
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the basis of „Raison D „Etat‟. i.e. independent, self-sufficient and

well ordered and well maintain state. Machiavelli advised the prince
in preserving and safeguarding this type of state all means adopted
by the state are justified. Prince should give priority to power.
Morality and ethics have different spheres. It cannot be mingled
with the reason of the state. To a prince power of state is of
supreme importance.

Self sufficiency of the state means the state will have its own
army, a strong and unified government, unity and integrity among
the people and solid economic foundation.

2. End justifies the Means:

It is a very famous statement of Machiavelli which he
justified for the “Reason of state”. He assumed that state is highest
form of human association. State is to be worshipped like a deity
even by sacrificing the individual. A ruler must remember that
whatever brings success and power is virtuous even cunningness,
shuredness is justified.

Politics is the most precarious game. It can never be played

in a decent and orderly manner.

The state has some primary objectives and responsibilities

like protection of life, maintenance of law and order and looking
after wellbeing of its members. Hence state must have adequate
means at its disposal.

3. State is sovereign, autonomus and non-religious:

Machiavelli said the state is superior to all associations in the
human society. It is sovereign and is autonomous, Moral and
religious considerations cannot bind the prince. He is above and
outside the morality. He can use religion to realize his ends.
Religion cannot influence politics and the church cannot control the
state. In fact sovereign state enjoys absolute power over all
individuals and institutions. State is must necessary of all
institutions. It stands on a wholly different footing and therefore be
judged by different standards. State power is the end and religion is
its organ and instrument. Nothing is unearthy in the state, State
came into being to satisfy material interests of the people. He
divorced politics from theology and government from religion. He
did not view the state as having a moral end and purpose but gave
importance to man‟s worldly life. He said politics is an independent
activity with its own principles and laws.

4. A prince must combine the qualities of a lion and a fox:

Machiavelli advised the prince he should imitate the qualities
of fox and lion. The imitation of the fox (cunningness, foresight) will
enable him to visualize his goal and means to achieve it. The
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imitation of the lion will give him necessary strength and force to
achieve that goal. A fox might have shrewdness and foresight, but
he is powerless without necessary force of a lion. Similarly a lion
without shrewdness and prudence of a fox would be reckless.
Hence a ruler who wants to be very successful must combine in
himself the qualities of both fox and lion. He must possess bravery
of lion and cunningness of fox, physical force is necessary when
there is anarchy and indiscipline. But law and morality is essential
to check selfishness of people and to generate civic virtues.

5. Use double standard of politics:

One for the ruler and another for his subjects. He said
morality is not necessary for the ruler. He is creator of law and
morality hence price is above the both. A ruler has primary duty of
preserving the state. For this purpose he may use instruments of
lie, conspiracy, killings and massacre etc. Because absolute
morality is neither possible nor desirable in politics.

He insisted that morality is essential for people. Only moral

citizens willingly obey laws of the state and sacrifice their lives for
their nation. It cultivate civic sense and patriotic spirit. Thus
Machiavelli prescribes double standard of morality.

6. Favoured despotic ruler:

Machiavelli did not recommend the republican form of
Government, because republican form requires virtuous, honest
and patriotic citizens.

He also advised the prince to convert his monarchy into a

republic. If his heirs are corrupt and misuse their power for evil
purposes. According to Machiavelli foundation of Government is the
reason of state Government is not created by God to punish men
for their sin. Machiavelli says that the government is founded upon
the weakness and insufficient capacity of men.

If in a society men are corrupt and selfish and the law is

powerless, then normal administration is not possible at all. A
superior power is essential for bringing the society into order. The
government with absolute power stop the excessive desires and
control the behaviour of the people.

7. Maintain strong army:

He recommended constant military preparedness for the
preservation of the state. Prince should organize a strong army to
meet any internal and external threat to his power. Strong and
regular army was must for a state for its own defense. The state try
to build up its own independent, regular and faithful army. Such an
army should consist of its own citizens and be prepared not only to
defend its national borders but also to expand. The citizens must be
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trained for army service and there should be compulsory military

training for all able persons.

8. Human nature is low and ungrateful, so prince must

consider this nature of man:
According to Machiavelli rational analysis of politics must
begin with an account of human nature, Machiavelli viewed the
activities of man with special interest and explained human nature.
He viewed men to be a compound of weakness, ungradeful, fear,
lust for power and assumed all men are bad. Prominent traits of
human nature are (1) there is no limit to human desires. He is
selfish and aggressive. Hence there is strife and competition. (2)
The masses are interested in security. They realize that only laws
of the state can ensure security hence they co-operate with the
state and obey the laws. Hence a ruler who wants to be successful
must ensure security of life and protection of people. (3) People
must be restrained by force because force breeds fear. Only force
and repression can keep control and check on the evil tendencies
in man. Hence the method of government should be force and not
persuasion. (4) By nature every human being is ambitious and
remains unsatisfied. No human being in content with his position.
He is always after domination. The enmities and wars are the
outcome of this desire.

Thus human nature is selfish, power hungry, quarrelsome

and guided by materialistic considerations. Only fear of punishment
is a powerful bond and it never fails.

9. Should try to win popularity of his people:

Prince should try to win popularity, goodwill and affection of
his people. He should keep his subjects materially contented by not
taxing them. The prince should not interfere in age old customs and
traditions of his people because by nature people are conservative.
He should not have craving for wealth and women of his own
subjects. He should keep a watchful eye on his dissidents.

10. A prince must have council of wise men and not of

flatterers:
Powerful government and internal unity were essential for
any state. Prince must choose wise men in his council and should
give them full liberty to speak the truth to him. He must ask them
about everything and hear their opinion and afterwards deliberate
by himself in his own way.

11. Separate politics from religion:

Before Machiavelli medieval political philosophers believed
that the religion was the basis of the state. But Machiavelli
emancipated the state completely from the control of the church.
He denied medieval philosophy of religion. He repudiates the
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theory of Aquinas that man needs the guidance of the divine law.
Machiavelli said that only end which man can place before himself
is the pursuit of his well being in his material values in life. He did
not view the as having a moral end and purpose but gave
importance to man‟s worldly life. He believed that politics is an
independent activity with its own principles and laws. Moral and
religions considerations cannot bind the prince, state is above and
outside the religion.

Machiavelli does not ignore religion and morality. In the

opening chapter of the „Discourses‟ he says princes who want to
maintain themselves respect all religions preserve the purity of all
religions.

He said religion is useful only as an organ of the state. He

gave only an instrumental value to religion. He advised the ruler
that religion play important role in the life of a community.
According to him religion is necessary for unity and integrity of the
people within the state. Common religion creates a sense of unity
among people. Religious rites, beliefs establish social harmony. It
also cultivate civic sense and patriotic spirit. Decline of respect for
religion among the people is a sign of ruin for the state.

He said religion cannot influence politics and the church

cannot control the state. In fact the sovereign state enjoys absolute
power over all individuals and institutions. As such the church is
subordinate to the state. Thus Machiavelli separated religion from
politics and paved way for emergence of the secular state. He was
not against the religion and morality. He only propose two different
standards of morality and placed the sate above morality and
religion. According to Machiavelli state is the highest form of social
organisation and the most necessary of all institutions. It stands on
a wholly different footing and must therefore be judged by different
standards. He said politics is an independent activity with its own
principles and laws. State is non-religious and secular. It has its
own rules of conduct to follow.

Machiavelli sanctioned the use of immoral mans by the ruler

whenever it was necessary to do so to save the state. Thus the
separation of politics from ethics is the essence of Machiavellian.

12. Prince must be free from emotions:

Prince should exploit emotions of his people for the purpose
of the state. He should be cool, calculating and opportunist. His
suggestion is that a prince must know how to act as a beast.

13. Ordered state:

In “The Prince” Machiavelli advocated absolutism and an
effective government. This advocacy of absolutism was due to the
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fact that he had witnessed anarchy, lawlessness, corruption and

misrule that prevailed in Italy of his times. He had witnessed how
king Charles VIII of France had captured Florence without being
offered resistance. Therefore Machiavelli advocated a well-
organised, ordered and militarily strong state. Without a strong
state, any country had no hope of survival in international politics.
He believed that an ordered state was the only security against
forces of external aggression and internal chaos.

1.7 EVALUATION OF MACHIAVELLI‟S POLITICAL

THOUGHT

1.7.1 Merits or Contributions:

1) Laid the foundation of modern political thought –

Machiavelli is regarded as the founder of modern political
thought-
1) He is the first exponent of power-politics.
2) He is the first who put the theory of nation states.
3) He was the first thinker who separated religion from politics
and justified secular state.
4) He is responsible for the growth of modern nationalism.
5) He was the first advocate of autonomy for the state.
6) Put forward the concept of supreme, sovereign state and
justified all powerful central authority.
7) State is an end i.e. survival of the state is the central theme.
8) Gave a great insight for Art of Government and modern
diplomacy.

Machiavelli contributed new political thoughts to political

theory and brought a new awakeing in political field. He is called
the child of renaissance or child of his time. Hence modern power
politics cannot be thought of without any reference to Machiavelli
and his book „Prince‟.

2) Guide for the Rulers:

Machiavelli‟s advice was followed by Cromwell and
Napoleon. Machiavelli‟s emphasis upon absolute power and
authoritarian rule is the source of fascist movement. „Prince‟ was a
textbook for authoritarian rulers. It is like a guide for the rulers for
ruling the state or statecraft.

3) The most revolutionary aspect of the prince:

From Greek philosophy to renaissance all philosophers and
thinkers dealt with the „End‟ of the state. They thought that the
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political power of the state would be used as „Means‟ to achieve

further „End‟. But Machiavelli adopted a quite different line to him
the power of the state is the „End‟ of the state. i.e. every state must
aim at maximizing its power. The failure of the state in this
enterprise will throw it into great turmoil.

1.7.2 Criticism:

1) Machiavelli suggested power politics is the Means and

authoritarian absolute state is the End. This thought of
Machiavelli leads to absolutism and narrow nationalism. Power
politics cannot be End, it will lead to autocracy and war.

2) Machiavelli ignored individualism i.e. individual liberty, equality,

justice etc. He sacrificed individual at the alter of the state

3) One sided views of human nature – In view of Machiavelli men

are universally bad. This is really a very one sided view of
human nature. He ignores the fact that much of civilization is
based on the social and co-operative instincts of men.

4) Materialism is the product of Renaissance and politics. Power

and wealth are its central concepts. Morality and idealism
became less important. According to Machiavelli politics and
power are instruments for strengthening and unifying a state.
Hence Machiavelli separated politics from religion. Traditionally
aim was salvation. According to Machiavellian thought sole aim
of prince is the unification and welfare of the state showed
reality of practical politics stressed on Rationality Machiavelli‟s
thought was based on empirical reality. It looks at and treats
political problems in a realistic manner. He explained the
practical aspects of politics. He keenly observed the affairs of
the state and interstate rivalries. From his observation he
deduced that the powerful government and internal unity were
the essential of any state. Hence, he recommended constant
military preparedness for the preservation of the state. Thus
Machiavelli‟s writings were free from the abstract ideals and
based on facts. He inspired scientific study of politics. Modern
scienticism of the American political scientists and empirical
studies based on facts bear a close relationship to the
pragmatism of Machiavelli.

5) Utility of war: The sole aim of the prince is to be an expert in

managing and organizing a war. Because it is the only way of
increasing power. Power is the only reason of the state. Thus
Machiavelli justified utility of war.
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1.8 CONCLUSION

Modern power politics cannot be thought of without

reference to Machiavelli and his book „Prince‟. He was the first
exponent of power politics.

1.9 MACHIAVELLI ON ETHICS, RELIGION AND

POLITICS

Till the 15th century i.e. in medieval period state was working
under the dominance of church and religion. There were conflict
between the state and the church for power. In that church was
aggressive.

Before Machiavelli Aristotle separated politics from

philosophy and gave a separate status to political science as a
subject.

But Machiavelli completely divorced religion from politics and

tried to subordinate religion to the state. He repudiated the theory of
Aquinas that man needs the guidance of the divine law. Machiavelli
said that only end which man can place before himself is the pursuit
of his wellbeing in his life i.e. material values. State came into being
to satisfy material needs.

He differentiated between public and private morality- Plato

and Aristotle believed in moral nature and ethical ends of the state
but Machiavelli completely disregarded this view of the state.
According to him there is vital difference between the ruler and the
citizens. He insisted that morality is essential for people. Only moral
citizens willingly obey laws of the state and sacrifice their lives for
their nation. But morality is not necessary for the ruler. He is the
creator of law and morality hence he is above the both. A ruler has
primary duty of preserving the state. He may use instruments of lie,
conspiracy, killings, etc. for the state. He said absolute morality is
neither possible nor desirable in politics. e.g. A corrupt state cannot
be reformed without heavy dose of violence. Must corrupt and
degenerated people need a shock therapy to revive it.

Machiavelli does not ignore religion and morality. He wants

to use the religion and church as an instrument for creating national
customs and habits for creating national thought which will help the
state in preserving peace and order and maintaining the stability of
society. Prince must preserve the purity of all religious observances
and treat them with proper reverence. Common religion creates a
sense of unity among people. Decline of respect for religion among
the people is a sign of ruin for the state.
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Machiavelli proposed two different standards of morality and

placed the state above morality.

Thus Machiavelli divorced politics from theology and

government from politics. He gave the state non-religious
character. He did not view the state as having a moral end and
purpose but gave importance to man‟s worldly life. He believed that
politics is an independent activity with its own principles and laws.

Conclusion: Machiavelli laid the foundation of secular state.

1.10 UNIT END QUESTIONS

1) Examine Machiavelli‟s views on:

a) Politics and morality
b) State and religion
c) End justifies the Means
2) “Machiavelli laid the foundation of power politics” Comment.
3) Explain Machiavelli‟s advice to the prince for powerful state.
4) “Machiavelli laid the foundation of modern political thought”
Discuss.

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