Implementing Machiavellis The Prince - Essay Example

While the text of Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince was constructed as a guide for Renaissance rulers, it’s clear that many of its key points are still relevant in today’s political and social climate. This essay considers this text in relation to my governance as a neophyte ruler, indicating which points are relevant for the modern world.

In establishing the structural dimensions of the text, Machiavelli makes a number of key indicating factors. In terms of my own personal rule, an element I recognize as applicable to the contemporary world is when Machiavelli states, “a new ruler will need to establish himself in defiance of custom” (Machiavelli, pg. 20). When considering the rule of my own nation or region, I believe that it is important to establish a number of elements that run counter to traditional customs. It’s recognizable that extreme examples of this are demonstrated in North Korea and some Middle Eastern nations; however, my government structure would attempt to develop a cooperative means of interaction with other nations, while advancing a number of anti-conformist notions of government. For instance, my government structure would attempt to reduce the emphasis on war, and present a more liberal social policy.

Another important element Machiavelli addresses in the Prince is the nature of reforming new laws and elements of existing orders. In this regard, Machiavelli sees tremendous risk but also recognizes that such practices are necessary. In this regard, he indicates that new orders are established through force, and then gain continuity through reference to virtue. When considering laws in the contemporary world, it’s clear that nations use reference to virtue in many instances to uphold the viability of the laws. Within the United States, reference is given to the founding fathers who outlined the constitution; in Israel, this is seen as the state references traditional Biblical tradition in establishing laws and social order. I recognize that as a neophyte ruler I will have to develop a reference to virtue that will aid in the establishment of laws and various governing factors. In these regards, my government structure will be greatly influenced by the transcendental thought of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. In addition to supplying a view of the universe that is accepting of scientific principles, these thinkers also present a wide variety of thoughts on the nature of laws and social order. In addition to these thinkers, the social laws will refer to intellectual elements in establishing virtue. While Plato speaks of a philosopher-king, my new nation will not run on democratic principles, but rather function through an intellectual elite that will determine the shape of society. This concept of governance is more like the United States Supreme Court than the Congressional House of Representatives.

In addition to these major elements, there are a few cursory elements that I would adopt in my rule. In terms of succession, Machiavelli indicates that individuals who gain power through simple appointments are weak and have a difficult time retaining this power. To counteract this element, my government will have a rigorous selection process wherein I will appoint my successor. In terms of tax structure, Machiavelli indicates that too rigorous a structure will cause the people to revolt while too lax a structure will result in problematic issues for the country. Therefore, my government will take a generally conservative tax structure, wherein rather than attempting to appeal to the people through generosity, the government will guard against the people’s resentment. In these regards, the general approach to governance will not be to overly appease the populace, but rather to ensure they are moderately happy and do not revolt. Read More