Machiavelli on War

Machiavelli was the first great modern philosopher of war, according to Christopher Lynch, who argues that the issue of war permeates his works, thoughts, and activity as a writer. He focuses on how military commanders' knowledge of human necessities enables and requires them to mold soldiers and shape minds to reject beliefs that would weaken their purpose. The successful military commander is not just an excellent leader but also an excellent human being in constant pursuit of the truth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Machiavelli's profound exploration of war is presented in his extensive body of work, encompassing a wide range of writings from his time as Florence's top military official to his posthumous masterpieces, such as The Prince and Discourses on Livy. In his book, Christopher Lynch delves into the intricate relationship between war and Machiavelli's writings, arguing that the issue of war permeates the form, content, and essence of each of Machiavelli's works. Lynch further asserts that Machiavelli's thoughts and activities as a writer were deeply influenced by his unwavering focus on war, making him the first great modern philosopher of war.

Lynch meticulously examines Machiavelli's understanding of warfare, encompassing both the physical realm of actual armed conflict and the intellectual realm of thinkers engaged in a battle of ideas. He highlights how military commanders' knowledge of human necessities, starting with their own, enables and necessitates them to shape soldiers, both organizationally and politically, to optimize their deployment in operations that are aligned with the political context and ever-changing circumstances.

Intellectually, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of shaping minds, both one's own and others, to reject beliefs that could hinder their purpose. For him, this meant challenging the classical and Christian traditions and advocating for a new teaching that emphasized human freedom and excellence. Machiavelli on War underscores the criticality of engaging in a comprehensive and rational analysis of all aspects of life, beginning with oneself, as a prerequisite for success in both the battlefield and the war of ideas.

According to Lynch, Machiavelli's vision of the successful military commander goes beyond mere leadership skills. He argues that the ideal military leader is not only an exceptional leader but also a virtuous human being who continually seeks to understand themselves and the world around them. Lynch demonstrates how Machiavelli's writings highlight the importance of moral integrity, empathy, and a commitment to truth in the pursuit of military victory.

In conclusion, Machiavelli on War offers a comprehensive interpretation of Machiavelli's treatment of war throughout his writings. Through his profound exploration of the relationship between war and human nature, Machiavelli emerges as a visionary philosopher who paved the way for modern understandings of warfare and governance. Christopher Lynch's book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of Machiavelli and his enduring legacy, highlighting his profound insights into the nature of power, politics, and human nature.

Weight: 907g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501773020