Wisdom in Machiavelli's advice

Reign of Terror in the French Revolution

Machiavelli commented that it was better to be feared than loved when he discussed how the ruling class can strengthen their domination in "The Prince" (Chapter 17 of the excerpts we were tasked to read). This is my favorite part of the reading because it got me pondering over the wisdom of this advice where politics are concerned. The saying has been favored by many rulers and put into practice throughout history, the Reign of Terror in France being a notable example. However, I feel that the wide acceptance of this belief does not necessarily justify it as a truism. As far as politics is concerned, I am of the belief that this piece of advice is sometimes true, but the wisdom of applying it relies heavily on different leaders' calculation of what could be gained and the situation faced by them.

It is deeply rooted in Machiavelli's conviction that people have to be forced or coerced to do what is "right" for them, that social order and stability rest critically on people's obedience. Throughout history, many politicians firmly believe the notion of "it is better to be feared than loved" because they value the respect and obedience bred by terror much more highly than the genuine love from their people. Even though the credibility of this point is highly debatable, we do see positive returns from the practice of terror in politics. Take for instance the Chinese Civil War (1927-1950), after the Kuomingdang (aka. the Chinese Nationalist Party) was defeated by the Communist Party in Mainland China, they fled to Taiwan to start anew. Being relatively new to the indigenous population and facing the influx of democratic ideas from the West, party leader Chiang Kai-shek firmly imposed strict curfew and military rule on the Taiwanese people in his belief that the power of terror brings about social stability. He readily gave up people's genuine respect for him in exchange for social stability. Subsequently, Taiwan's success and absence of racial conflicts validated his belief that it is indeed better to be feared than loved. Hence, the logic of fear breeding respect which contributes to a nation's development and stability appears to be true to a large extent.



Chiang Ching-Kuo (left) with father Chiang Kai-shek (right) in 1948

Also in the case of Taiwan, however, fear could invite a backlash when harsh rule is in place for a long time. It is in a politician's interest to maintain a cozy rapport with the people. Chiang Kai-shek's draconian rule did not win the hearts of the native Taiwanese even though he ensured an orderly society. Soon, waves of protests fuelled by resentment in the mid-1980s eventually shattered Kuomingdang's domination. Moreover, Taiwan's progress appeared more apparent when Chiang Ching-Kuo, Chiang Kai-shek's son and successor, lifted military rule and reformed the party's political philosophy in an attempt to be loved by his people. It is thus clear that oppression could threaten the very aim that harsh rule is meant to achieve: obedience and social stability. The wisdom of Machiavelli's advice depends greatly on a politician's view - whether they are willing to forgo good reputation for long-term stability and harmony.

Kennedy versus Khrushchev: Cold War Political Cartoon

Sometimes, the need to command fear overshadows the quest for warm friendship as dictated by the prevailing socio-political attitude. During the Cold War, though the two superpowers attempted to seek peaceful resolution, the intrinsic distrust and perpetual suspicions held by both the US and the USSR nullified any attempt to thaw the ice. Instead, fear became the dominant element in the bilateral relation, evident in the relentless stockpiling of nuclear arsenal. Now that both parties had the capability to destroy each other, they remained in an odd quagmire and strangely yet effectively, world peace was maintained. It is thus apparent that in some situations, it is better to be feared than loved as it accounts for suspicion and aggression, yet effectively keeps a peaceful equilibrium.

Of Florence for part of the 16th century

Before we come to any conclusion on the wisdom of Machiavelli's advice, it is meaningful to recognize the fact that Machiavelli lived in 16th century medieval Florence, which was then a feudal city state, and can discount the relevance of this piece of advice. As people become more educated, it made the task of reigning with terror harder for dictators since the increasing awareness of innate human rights aided by western democracies empower and awaken citizens worldwide. In light of the Arab Spring and fall of dictatorship in some countries, rulers across the world have seen the limitations and drawbacks of ruling by fear. Some have started to legitimize their grip on power by economic achievements, in other words, attempt to be loved. It is also noteworthy how the perception of human nature plays a role in Machiavelli's formulation of his theory. If politicians generally believe that people are innately evil and orderless, it may be more in their conviction to be feared by the people. On the other hand, if politicians perceive people as intrinsically kind, they may try to be loved to appeal to their compassion and sympathy.

In a nutshell, the wisdom of Machiavelli's saying rests essentially on politicians' philosophical beliefs, policies and socio-political situations. The fact that "The Prince" has remained an essential guide in political study till date should add credence to the statement, though real life application depends largely on an individual politician, in tandem with his nation's long term interests.