Machiavelli in Modernity: The Prince's Continued Relevancy as Reflected in the Fall of Imperial Russia

Abstract

Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince has sparked controversy and debate since its release in the 16th century. Among the mixed reviews of his treatise, Machiavelli is classified as either the father of modern political thought or a benefactor to tyrants. By avoiding the reduction of his theoretical legacy to simplistic Machiavellianism, this project contends that The Prince postulates a perceptive analysis of the methods needed to maintain a state by promoting a universal and timeless portrayal of statecraft. In defense of this argument, The Prince's critical insight will be juxtaposed with the circumstances surrounding the disintegration of Imperial Russia to illustrate the theoretical and pragmatic utility of Machiavellian principles within the modern world.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Philosophy

First Advisor

Michael Bud

Date of Award

1-1-2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS