Machiavelli Then and Now: History, Politics, Literature

Machiavelli's ideas are still relevant today, helping us understand political upheavals and natural calamities and reduce them to a working order. The chapters in Machiavelli Then and Now explore his central concerns, such as statecraft and order, liberty and citizenship, diplomacy and leadership, and the quest for empire. They also address the ethical and behavioral factors behind political practice, and consider the role of language, text, and the imagination in Machiavelli. The book will interest historians, political scientists, students of public policy, philosophers, rhetoricians, literary critics, and institution builders, diplomats, and administrators.

Format: Hardback
Length: 348 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Machiavelli's ideas remain as relevant and significant in our contemporary world as they were during his time. His profound insights and practical prescriptions provide valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of today's political upheavals and natural calamities, helping us to understand and address them in a meaningful way. The chapters in Machiavelli Then and Now delve into Machiavelli's central themes, including statecraft and order, liberty and citizenship, diplomacy and leadership, strategic approaches, the pursuit of empire, and the fundamental conflict between autocracy, oligarchy, and democracy. These chapters also explore the ethical and behavioral factors that shape political practices, such as force, persuasion, ambition, corruption, and vigilance in public discourse.

The contributors to this book examine the role of language, text, and imagination in Machiavelli's writings and explore how his discourse connects to our own times, particularly in relation to figures such as Gandhi, Gramsci, and Althusser. By doing so, they bring the Machiavellian perspective closer to contemporary readers, making his ideas more accessible and applicable to a wide range of disciplines.

This book appeals to historians, political scientists, students of public policy, philosophers, rhetoricians, literary critics, institution builders, diplomats, and administrators alike. It offers valuable insights into the historical context of Machiavelli's ideas and their enduring relevance in shaping political and social dynamics. Whether one is interested in historical analysis, political theory, public policy, or the study of language and imagination, this book provides a rich and thought-provoking exploration of Machiavelli's legacy.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 306 x 332 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316516720