How would you compare Machiavelli's ideas to an American politician of the past or present?

Answer 1

Bush certainly is a proponent of being the leader who is hated rather than loved.

Answer 2

Machiavelli you could say, was the first Neo con. He felt that if the ends justified the means then do it and do it with every possible resource that you have. He also felt that lying to the public by a political leader was Okay and actually necessary if that politician wanted to get and stay in power and this is something US politicians have perfected to a new art form. Machiavelli ideas are so entrenched in US & world politics that you can see his political philosophy at work everyday in this 21st century. Some people like his philiosophy some people don't but if you want to be a successful polican in today's world you have to follow his lead. He knew politics was an extremely dirty business and in books like the Prince he tells people how to work that unholy system to your advanage. He isn't a saint but he is pragmatic & he's only tellling the truth about how politics works & it is as cut throat as you can get as is US politics, & he is telling you that if you sometimes have to fight dirty/cut corners to make it big. Machiavelli and Karl Rove would have gotten along very well.

Answer 3

Machiavelli's "The Prince" is very applicable to our modern day politicians...especially George W. Bush. The concept of looking pious on the surface and doing what you want behind the scenes is just what he is doing. Pretend to be a Christian. Meanwhile do a "pre-emptive attack" on a country which can not defend itself.

Answer 4

The Prince is still taught in political science at Universities all over the World.

Go big Red Go