Individual Select a Contemporary Political

¶ … Individual

Select a contemporary political figure and argue how you think they follow or do not follow Machiavelli's rules of what a leader should be

In the book the Prince, Machiavelli is discussing how an individual can be able to: seize and obtain power based upon the end justifying the means. As, these principals are able to help someone to use their strengths in order to achieve political or military advantages over their enemies. Evidence of this can be seen with a passage from the book itself with Machiavelli saying, "And whoever has strongly fortified his town and, as regards to the government of his subjects, has proceeded as we have already described and will further relate. He will be attacked with great reluctance, for men are always adverse to enterprises in which they see great difficulties." (Machiavelli 41) This is important, because it is showing how a strong military is essential for a country to maintain their influence on the world stage. As a result, many of these ideas have been used throughout history to deal with various issues by political figures.

Once place where this can be seen in society is with the overall amounts of defense spending. Part of the reason for this, is because there is the belief that if spending was to be cut dramatically. There could be, negative implications on U.S. interests around the world. As there is no sufficient fighting force to address numerous challenges. A political figure who is using these tactics is Leon Penetta (the Secretary for the Department of Defense).

What he has been doing, is discussing with Congress about how America must be able to maintain a strong military at all times. The reason why, is because the nation is still continuing to face a wide variety of threats. If there were dramatic cuts to the Department of Defense budget, this could have adverse implications on the national security of the United States. As, U.S. forces will not be able to provide the same kind continued support to allies in the past. Once this occurs, it means that many rouge nations will attempt to exert their influence in these areas. This is the point that the chances of any kind of hostilities will increase.

As a result, Penetta thinks that Congress should spare the Department of Defense any kind of severe budgetary cuts. Evidence of this can be seen with him saying, "The Defense Department is already shouldering its share of the deficit-reduction burden, including $350 billion in cuts over the next decade mandated by the Budget Control Act. Those cuts are tough but manageable and do not pose any insurmountable national-security risks. But any additional reductions in the Defense Department's budget would serious damage to our ability to be able to make the kind of changes in our defense structure that are responsible and that do protect this country for the future." (Scully) This is significant, because it is showing how Leon Penetta is using similar kinds of tactics as Machiavelli. Where, he is advocating that America must be able to maintain a strong military in order to sustain its global presence. Otherwise, he believes that the chances of conflict will increase.