The name Niccolo Machiavelli is controversial. His work has become so synonymous with cunning political strategy, it gave rise to the term Machiavellianism: the use of manipulation and deceit to achieve self-interested goals.

We sneer at the Renaissance statesman and political philosopher’s deeply shrewd and scheming nature – but we still introduce his ideas as foundational theories in our politics classes and studies of power.

Much of his 15th-century writing, including the infamous The Prince, is often thought to serve unscrupulous politicians.

Yet it also offers valuable insights for modern political and business leaders, as well as political scientists, students of political science – and really, anyone seeking to make sense of the political world.

Why is The Prince a classic?

As a political scientist, I consider The Prince a classic because of its bold realism. It responds to how the world is, rather than how it should be.

Instead of offering idealistic visions of leadership, Machiavelli presents a clear-eyed observation of how power is gained and retained in the real world. Many of the traits he describes – including adaptability, strategic communication, and the careful balance between fear and love – still shape political leadership today.

The book is divided into 26 short chapters and spans just 105 pages, making it a quick read. Each chapter explores how to acquire and maintain power in a particular scenario, offering practical advice to rulers navigating various political landscapes.

The Prince was originally written in vernacular Italian. I read the English translation by W.K. Marriott, which preserves Machiavelli’s pithy brevity and serious tone. He was no facile phrasemonger; the circumstances in which he wrote demanded precision.

Marriott praises Machiavelli’s themes as lofty, his substance as grave, and his style as nobly plain.

Reality as it is – not how it should be

Machiavelli’s realism is not just about tactics. It’s about understanding human nature. He urges rulers to observe and accept reality as it is.

He offers insights not only into how politics should be done, but also how political messages should be delivered. For example, he notes that societies are always searching for better governance and tend to replace their leaders frequently. To survive, a ruler must be open to change. If circumstances shift and a prince clings to outdated strategies, they risk failure.

Success, Machiavelli argues,........

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