Carnes Lord

The Modern Prince is not a study of contemporary history but a treatise in political science.

Above all, Machiavelli wrote the playbook of the politician who takes power in a factionalized republic by siding with the common people against the dominant “elites.”

Consequently, whenever those who are enemies have opportunity to attack, they do so with partisan zeal, and the others defend lukewarmly so that one is in peril along with them.