Question

Machiavelli had distinct ideas about what it means to be an effective leader. what element had the greatest influence on the development of these ideas?

Answer 1

Niccolò Machiavelli is an important figure inmodern political science, His his most important text called "The Prince" written in the year of 1513. The book depicts realism and could be applied to any leadership. The element that had the greatest influence on the development of these ideas is the principle of: The end justifies the means. Such idea defends that a morally right act is the one that provides a positive outcome and it is not important the way you get to that goal and can be immoral.

Answer 2

A good Machiavellian leader has 5 specific traits:
1. being feared- in his time it was much better for a leader to be feared, because if the people feared you, they would be less inclined to revolt, as opposed to them loving you.
2. support of the people- you need the support of the people, because without the people supporting your decisions no actions can be made.
3. virtue-show good virtues in public, but do what has to be done to succeed in the privacy of your fortress, so basically lie to the people if necessary.
4. use your own arms- don't be dependent on mercenaries, because your own people are more likely to die for you
5. intelligence- without that you cannot hope to gain the support of your people