Machiavelli in Context | The Prince, 8–12: The Prince and Power (Lecture 8)

Lecture 8: Machiavelli’s ninth chapter of The Prince examines civil principalities, leading to a discussion of the prince’s relationship with the citizens he governs. Some might be surprised by Machiavelli’s claim that it is more important for a prince to have the people than to have the nobility on his side.

In chapter 11, Machiavelli takes up the particularly Italian issue of ecclesiastical principalities. After all, the popes claimed direct temporal rule over a large part of central Italy. In this context, Machiavelli makes some interesting remarks about the relationship of the Church to contemporary politics.

Machiavelli creates a brief catalogue of the types of soldiers that princes make use of and makes the claim that there can be no good laws without good armies. Hence, it is essential to have the right kind of army.

Recommended Readings:
Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Peter Bondanella, chapters 8–12.