What is the role of armies according to Machiavelli?

Question

In the book The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, what doe he say is the role of armies?

Answer 1

A strong army is of pinnacle importance for an ruler according to Machiavelli. If a prince has to rely on fortifications, instead of an mobile army, to defend himself, this is to be considered a weak one. A aplomb prince is one who has an army ready to combat any enemy without having to rely on allies. A powerful state has to threat rival states, to safeguard its interests.

Moral concerns are only then important, when they help to stabilize a regime - otherwise they are only hindering. This doesn't mean a ruler has to be evil: For Machiavelli, the pursuit of his principles lead to a prospering state. An evil world requires harsh leadership.

"Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries—for heavy ones they cannot." (chapter III)

Machiavelli also discusses how a prince can maintain loyalty among his subordinates. A prince who commands an army has in Machiavelli's opinion the duty to be considered to by cruel. This gives the prince the ability to stifle any ambitions of revolt in his troops and keep his soldiers motivated. He arguments that mercenaries are weak forces because they do only what is required to earn them some money.

"It is much safer for a prince to be feared than loved, if he is to fail in one of the two." (chapter VIII)

Machiavelli is a fan of Hannibal, who never had to face any insurrections. This is ascribed to Hannibal's awe-inspiring lead.

Answer 2

To follow the commands of the Prince