Machiavelli's The Prince: interpretation and analysis

Prince

Machiavelli means that a population can be led either by force or favors. Brute force in order to make a people obedient and favors to keep them. Lands distant and remote are acquired either by arms, wealth or ability. (Chapter III)

If a leader expects to hold territories acquired in distant places, he has three options: reside there, permit them their own laws but take a privilege and establish an oligarchy; or destroy it. (Chapter III)

A leader can deal with rebellion in many ways, but when force is necessary, then force ought be used. Prior to this, though, if subjects are treated well, and have a fond memory of their ruler and state, then they will remain obedient. (Chapter 4)

That the ruler owes the people who put him in power great leadership; the ability to conquer new lands. (Chapter 6)

That there are many histories of organization, and that there are different outcomes for choosing certain ones. Republicanism makes people love freedoms, while tyranny makes them forget past freedoms so as to make them obedient. (Chapter 6)

6. These great men acquired power through good will, thereby legitimizing their rule in the eyes of god and people. (Chapter 6)

7. It is important to never let a good opportunity go to waste. If a ruler lets opportunity fall by the wayside, he will be dethroned the first time his authority is questioned. (Chapter 7)

8. Machiavelli is more prone to supporting the ruler who has attained power through virtue. He does not believe virtue will cause a people to forget their independence. (Chapter 7)

9. Old wounds and insults can be forgotten by committing them all at once, and then reassuring the people of new ways of handling it in the future. By giving benefits little by little, a ruler can close old wounds. (Chapter VIIII)

10. The injuries should be done quickly and swiftly. If a city must be destroy, it must be destroyed all at once. It should be done in such a way so as to ensure no unexpected circumstance pop up. This is despotic way of ruling in my opinion, and the people deserve better. (Chapter VIIII)

11. In order to stay in power, it is important to have the support of other rulers, so they will defend you if your principalities are in danger of being seized. The people ought to fear a ruler, when it is convenient for the ruler to appear all-powerful. Otherwise, if the people believe they are serving some good, they will be more willing to work for the general good. A happy shrewdness can make the people think they are doing this. (Chapter IX)

12. It is important to have an oligarchy setup, but they must be under your command. In Chapter IX, Machiavelli specifically outlines the different ways to setup and manage an oligarchy. (Chapter IX)