How to be a Power Ranger - Machiavelli Response

The Prince articulates numerous attributes a ruling elite should preferably contain in order to sustain power over a population.  These attributes range from the ruler's generosity, reputation, and ability to effective promote the population's defense and military.  In the status quo, while there are different types of rulers and different methods on how those rulers attained their status, Machiavelli provides generally good advice on how the current ruling elite should govern.

For this blogpost, I plan on using the United States for my general example.  I haven't thought about this in the context of other countries and rulers, but if anyone sees Machiavelli not being applicable to other countries, feel free to tell me.  To begin, one of Machiavelli's points is regarding defense and military.  To ensure that the United States' hegemony remains strong, armed forces such as the Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, Marines, etc. exist.  Numerous programs and institutions exist that allow one to join the Armed Forces.  Additionally, strategic military treaties and agreements have the ability to sustain US' hegemony through missile defense systems and disarmament policies.

Another one of Machiavelli's suggestions is the amount a leader should be generous.  This is applicable for the United States through taxes.  Whether or not a government should increase or decrease taxes is an extension of the President's generosity.

All these types of attributes and policies a ruler should enact also tie into a ruler's appearance.  Obama needs political capital in order to push and pass bills that will benefit his population and also help his appearance as a whole.  Even members of the House and Senate need to be able to maintain an image which is vital in the reelection process and when the members are attempting to push a bill through Congress.

These principles established within The Prince are applicable in various forms for rulers today.  While there are some specific exceptions that no longer apply to rulers today due to the norms of our time differing from the norms back then.  I believe Machiavelli states his theory the best through his description of foxes and lions.  Good rulers should contain the wisdom of foxes and the ferocity of lions.  Maintaining a balance between the two can guarantee a sustained rule.