Primordial Groove

I have been trying to understand the Bush Administration's stance on foreign and domestic affairs. I searched far and wide for any information that could lead me to an understanding of how they tick. Well, ladies and gentlemen, i think I have found it.

The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli
published 1532

There are so many parallels between Mach's view on how to rule countries and this administrations way of ruling this country. It's certainly a different way of thinking than what I am used to.

My question is for those that have read the book.
In this era, should 'the ghost' of Machiavelli have any say in politics? The UN would seem to be a buttress to halt this form of policy. Also, the power structure of todays world is much different than that of 1532. If Machiavelli's 'reality' has no place in todays society, why is it rearing it's head in the form of Bush Inc.?

I personally find The Prince...intriguing, but, I am still reading it and will need to reread it before I get a better understanding of his words. If you havent read the book, please do. You will see (seemingly) where the current administration gets it's cliff notes on policy.

RED DAVE

The Prince

Check out the source.

RED DAVE

never been there

Machiavelli was about more than ruthlessness. He advocated wisdom as well. Wish I saw more of that among people described as "Machiavellian".

For another side of Machiavelli, try The Discourses on Titus Livy.

RED DAVE

Machiavelli's History of Florence

Discourse on Livy

RED DAVE

John K. Fitzpatrick

The powers have changed (WMD, mass media) but the structure hasn't changed all that much (Tri-lateral Commission).


Wisdom in the sense of maintaining the conditions which allow further ruthlessness. c.f. "political realist"

- John

Jesus Tap-Dancin' Christ

Actually, his political philosphy isn't his personal beliefs as to how things SHOULD be--it was how things ARE if you want power.

He stated that to be ruthless and unforgiving is to make yourself powerful--it works. It works damn good, and it will always work when you're dealing with human beings. We act as frightened children in a haunted house. We cling to whoever will show us the way out, even if they really take us deeper in. The world grows scarier by the day. We let it happen, and we MAKE it happen.

Cheiron

Hmm frightened children in a haunted house, getting spooked from invisible threats, or more than often just your imagination, evil communism? evil atheists? barbarian hordes? terrorist cells? It's all been done before, and nobody seems to learn except the historians, which are promptly silenced by whatever means the current regime favours.