Machiavelli advocated for tyrants like Cesare Borgia to take control of Italy because:

History · College · Mon Jan 18 2021

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Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance political philosopher and diplomat, is often associated with his book "The Prince," where he provides advice to rulers on the art of political leadership. While Machiavelli did not explicitly advocate for tyrants, he did offer pragmatic and realpolitik advice to rulers, and he famously discussed the case of Cesare Borgia.

Cesare Borgia was an Italian nobleman and condottiero (mercenary military commander) during the Renaissance. In "The Prince," Machiavelli used Borgia as an example to illustrate certain principles of statecraft. Machiavelli admired Borgia's strategic and ruthless approach to consolidating power. Borgia, as a historical figure, was known for his cunning and effective military tactics.

Machiavelli's discussion of Borgia highlighted the idea that rulers should be willing to use any means necessary to maintain and strengthen their power. Machiavelli argued that rulers should prioritize the stability and strength of the state over moral or ethical considerations. He believed that a ruler should be both feared and loved if possible, but if a choice had to be made, it was better to be feared.

In the case of Borgia, Machiavelli saw a leader who, through a combination of military prowess and political cunning, was able to overcome the chaotic and divided political landscape of Italy at the time. The emphasis on pragmatism and the pursuit of power, even through ruthless means, is a key aspect of Machiavelli's political philosophy as presented in "The Prince."