Nicholai Machiavelli's The Prince Analysis

Nicholai Machiavelli’s The Prince provides lessons that span the theories of warfare, statecraft, and leadership. Machiavelli’s discussion of “How states or principalities should be governed that lived by their own laws before they were occupied” is of particular note to contemporary political leaders as it illustrates the folly of trying to change the political culture of conquered peoples. While Machiavelli’s view of the 16th century world bears little resemblance to the contemporary geopolitical environment, his analysis of statecraft offers warnings to today’s rising power, China, and the benevolent empire, the United States.
The United States views China as a rising competitor, yet when viewed through a Machiavellian lens China’s ascension to great power status is not a certainty. One example of the challenges facing China is the unintended consequences of the “One China” policy. The “One China” policy claims Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong and Taiwan …show more content…
Machiavelli conveyed a nuanced understanding of the incompatibilities of political systems that was well ahead of its time. Just as he maintained the value of the study of antiquity era warfare in the time of the Medici, China and the United States would be wise to understand the value of Machiavelli’s The Prince to modern practitioners of the professions of arms and statecraft. Machiavelli provides the means to overcome political incompatibilities through the total destruction of the conquered state or enduring occupation. These options however are untenable in the contemporary geopolitical environment. This ultimately leaves only one choice for the rising power and the benevolent empire; do not go to war unless you must and then only if you are willing to pay a heavy price or respect the political history of the