Obama the Machiavellian - 3366 Words

Spring 2012 – Western Studies II Research Assignment May 8, 2012 Is Obama a Prince? In the year 1531 the famous political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli’s wrote a treatise entitled The Prince. It explains the proper guidelines for a prince to successfully lead a republic. Although this sixteenth century politician’s main purpose was to unite a separate Italy, his political theories have been taken into deep consideration and are commonly exercised in politics today. If Machiavelli were alive today he would agree that qualities of the current president Barack Obama coincide with his prince-like standards and make him the ideal candidate for the 2012 Presidential Election. Residing in the Florence Italy during the Renaissance, the†¦show more content†¦During his first year of presidency he focused on fixing areas of the government President Bush failed to properly oversee; one being aspects of Bush’s war on terrorism. Obama began his destruction with the CIA; in regards to interrogation tactics, Obama dispelled secret memos hidden by the Bush administration, causing much controversy in the government. This incident brought much attention to other faults that occurred during the previous presidents reign. As President Obama informed the United States of the illegal secrecies President Bush with his government agencies he successfully fulfilled Machiavelli’s guidelines stated in chapter three, â€Å"Of Mixed Principalities†. In this chapter he presents distinct approaches a prince should take when a new land is acquired. Machiavelli states â€Å"whoever acquires them, if he wants to hold them†¦the bloodline of their ancient prince must be eliminated†. As Obama unveiled many of Bush’s faults, he succeeded in turning the American people against their former leader. Along with Obama’s immediate action with Guantanamo Bay and the halting of government programs, this was another step closer to putting and end to Bush’s war on terrorism. Although Obama took time to criticize the previous Bush administration for the war on terrorism, he himself supported the war on terror by sending in more troops to Afghanistan his first year in office. In February of 2009 he sent 17,000Show MoreRelatedMachiavelli: Realism over Idealism Essay1084 Words   |  5 Pagesby the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails,† (Machiavelli, The Prince). This quote perfectly demonstrates Machiavellian realism. First, it is a very opposing and adverse view on human nature. Second, it is realistic and logical. If, by any chance, you are a prince or a leader, and you do not understand the atrocious inherent in 2 men, you will fail. Those whoRead MoreJefferson vs. Macheveli1719 Words   |  7 Pagesthoughts on how a government should run. On how the government should function. From the rule of the government the rule of the people. However Machiavellis essay is more cynical, while on the other hand Jefferson is more logical. We might live in a Machiavellian world but it all depends on what people believe in. Personally I believe that Machiavellis philosophy is cynical compared to Jefferson, Therefore I believe more in Jeffersons piece which is far more realistic although Machiavelli still catchesRead MoreMachiavelli In American Politics934 Words   |  4 Pagesunderstanding that rulership is for the greater good, regardless of the measures employed to maintain this, self-interest and greed are a common presence in todays political process. In many ways, American leadership has long been formed in Machiavellian mold. The Prince takes away the ethical consideration and religious morality from his assessment of statesmanship, changing the manner in which ethicality is understood. Instead of morality, his work was ruled by an intended practical ideologyRead MoreThe Prince by Nichollo Machiavelli1020 Words   |  4 Pageswhen comparing Machiavellis writing to powerful modern day leaders, more specifically Barrack Obama who is arguably the most powerful individual in the world at this time. All around his presidency, it has gotten clear that President Obama has gained numerous political techniques that are fundamentally the same to Machiavellis plans, further supporting the way that Obama is a cutting edge Machiavellian ruler. This gets to be especially evident when one studies Obamas procedures and moves made concerningRead MoreThe Political Views Of The World1821 Words   |  8 Pagesstate follows by. The politics view t hat exist are related to three old traditions called: Machiavellian or realist, Grotian or rationalists, and finally Kantians or revolutionist. The three political views differ in many ways each with their strengths and weaknesses, the follow paragraphs will illustrate what those weaknesses and strengths are and how they affect the current issues in the world. Machiavellians idea is what shaped this concept with this idea of Realism, his belief for internationalRead MoreVladimir Putin - A Modern Machiavellian Prince Essay2405 Words   |  10 PagesIts important beforehand to define exactly what a Machiavellian is, before describing one. A Machiavellian is a leader who, through his power and influence, works toward the common good of his people. This can be done through fear, through deceit, even through manipulation. It is important to understand the main principle of a Machiavellian; the end justifies the means. The end being the common good of his people. 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By suggesting that we will do whatever is necessary to fight terrorism, supporters utilize the situational ethics, doing whatever it takes to succeed. In their minds, the end result of no more terrorism justifies means of unraveling civilRead MoreSun Tzu On Nature And Character Of 21st Century Warfare2528 Words   |  11 Pagesmost compelling examples of 21st century non-state actors. For this reason, my analytical method is to first introduce the lead up to, and initial phase of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and the January, 2014 characterization of ISIS by President Obama as contemporary evidence of 21st century warfare. Subsequently, I will introduce Sun Tzu’s principals of war – national unity, rational appraisals of relative power, and victory as the obje ctive3 – as a frame of reference to contextualize and explainRead MoreThe Prince As A Modern Polititcal Treatise2203 Words   |  9 Pageshave, since the type of company someone has is the reflection of the person. â€Å"YOU REMEMBER the photograph: President Obama hunched in a corner of the Situation Room with his national-security staff, including Hillary Clinton with a hand over her mouth, watching the live feed from the compound in Pakistan where the killing of Osama bin Laden is under way. This is a Machiavellian moment: a political leader taking the ultimate risks that go with the exercise of power, now awaiting the judgment of fate