What would a state be like under a Machiavellian ruler?

Question

As you perceive it.

Answer 1

Look out the window, we are living it.

Answer 2

If I was the Machiavellian ruler, I would be in a nice condition trying to preserve my power in whatever way possible. I would censor newspapers that publish opinions against my policy, for instance. I would have a secret police to crush my enemies. I would have public executions to maximize the effectiveness of my law. My power would be secure. If my policy is good--that is, if I'm an effective ruler--then my people would be in a good condition as well.
If I was a person within such a state, I may sometimes become discontented with my condition if what I want to do comes into conflict with what my ruler does. For instance, if I wanted to publish a commentary against the ruler and was censored, I'd feel mad and perhaps consider starting a revolution. I'd spread propaganda to all the people in the state saying that freedom is gone and such and make them lose confidence in their ruler, and I would thus through the state into disarray for my selfish reasons. Indeed, if the ruler's policies are good and he/she is effective, there is no reason to feel sad about the censorship and extra Machiavellian controls he/she has placed. There is no reason to break the law if the laws are good. What's the need to protest if there is nothing to protest? Indeed, many "freedoms" are like the condiments you get at a restaurant. Are you really going to use tons of ketchup, mustard, butter, sugar, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, chili, etc.? No, you're not. There's no need to exaggerate issues in which you think so-called civil liberties are absent. Have confidence in your ruler and nation-state.
Then again, if your ruler is not effective, then I still think excessive freedoms are not needed. He/she would be naturally ousted by other prospective leaders or through a system of succession, and this will continue until a leader who satisfies his/her country is found.

Answer 3

Machiavelli would have adapted his methods to the modern realities.

He was very pragmatic

Extremely canny, adaptable and ruthless, but the people would not even realize they were being ruled. Modern canny rulers are friends to no one and everyone.

France has no equal in this regard. They run Europe and make the UK look like villains.
They own Germany through psychological warfare and guilt mongering.

For a mid level power, they hit WAY above their weight. Nobody messes with France.
Ask Greenpeace.

Machiavelli would be proud.

Answer 4

Look at the Borgia Papacy. Ceasere Borgia was the Model for the Prince. The Putin Government Not qute a Democracy Not quite a Dictatorship or the UN

Answer 5

Extremely authoritarian. Probably a dictatorship.