If Niccolò Machiavelli Were Alive Today: A Critique of Donald Trump

Introduction

Imagine the dialogue between two figures as far removed from each other as The Prince’s Niccolò Machiavelli and the modern-day political force that is Donald Trump. If Machiavelli, the renaissance political theorist and diplomat, were alive today, how would he critique Trump? Given Machiavelli’s insight into political strategy, his views on leadership, and his careful approach to power, the critique would be both comprehensive and pointed.

Modern Power and Machiavellian Principles

Machiavelli ruled the city-state of Florence, a small population of around 100,000, and his advice is based on managing and leveraging limited resources and influence. Today, Trump is the master of the most powerful nation on Earth, with a population of over 300 million. His every word impacts the global stage, and he has achieved this without the aid of a large bureaucratic apparatus.

Machiavelli's The Prince emphasizes the balance between authority, diplomacy, and the need for a ruler to hold a position of fear or respect. Given Trump's polarizing nature—where supporters either love him or hate him—Machiavelli would likely see this as a flaw.

Polarized Leadership and Fear vs. Respect

Machiavelli believed that a ruler should be feared rather than loved, as constant fear creates respect, while love can be lost even before it can be won. Trump's ability to elicit extreme reactions but not fear or respect would be a significant critique from Machiavelli's viewpoint.

Lack of Diplomatic Thought and Strategic Planning

The Prince requires a great deal of diplomatic thought and careful strategizing. Trump, on the other hand, lacks these qualities. He frequently speaks impulsively, and his actions are often contradictory and erratic. Machiavelli would certainly not approve of Trump's lack of self-control or ability to plan long-term.

The Importance of Self-Control and Confident Information Handling

Machiavelli believed that a leader should be able to keep information confidential and handle intelligence carefully. Despite the controversy around his practices, Trump has a reputation for not being able to keep secrets. He often speaks without filters, revealing sensitive information that can be detrimental to the nation's security. Machiavelli would advise Trump to exercise greater self-control in his communication and information management.

Advisors and Communication

Machiavelli was a proponent of seeking and using sound advice. He believed that a good ruler should take advice from trusted advisors and surround themselves with capable individuals. However, Trump’s communication style and his reluctance to seek or take advice from others have been widely criticized. Those around him, like Kelly, try to contain him because he is incapable of taking advice well. Machiavelli would likely not approve of Trump's insistence on making decisions solo, without the benefit of diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, Machiavelli would likely find Trump's leadership style, characterized by impulsiveness and lack of strategic foresight, highly flawed. The principles laid out in The Prince emphasize self-control, clear communication, and effective information management—none of which seem to be strong points for Trump. As modern leaders grapple with complex global issues, the time-tested wisdom of Machiavelli remains relevant, offering important insights for successful governance.