Niccolò Machiavelli - ‘The Prince’
Throughout history, there have been many famous ‘users’ of conflict. However, while conducting my own research, one stood out the most: Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance political philosopher. His approach to conflict was grounded and pragmatic, with him viewing it as a necessary means for gaining and maintaining power. His ideas have influenced many political strategies, especially in how leaders use conflict to manipulate situations, secure authority and stabilise their rule.
Audio Log:
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His philosophy emphasised how necessary ruthless action is when required. Machiavelli saw conflict as an essential part of governance, where a ruler’s skill in managing or exploiting it determined their success. He stressed that a ruler should not shy away from conflict but rather use it decisively to keep power and outmatch enemies.
“A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and faithful; for with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise.” - Machiavelli, N. (1513) The Prince. Translated by W.K. Marriott.
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Machiavelli understood that manipulating internal conflicts within a state could help a ruler maintain control. For example, allowing factions to compete against each other could prevent any one group from becoming too powerful, ensuring the ruler’s ultimate authority remained unchallenged. This strategy remains a key aspect of conflict management in the context of leadership.
“It is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you.” - Machiavelli, N. (1513) The Prince. Translated by W.K. Marriott.
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He saw military conflict not only as a means to protect the state but also as a way to unite. External wars could distract from internal divisions and provide a common enemy, which would help solidify the ruler’s position by rallying people around a shared cause.
“A prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war and its rules and discipline; for this is the sole art that belongs to him who rules.” - Machiavelli, N. (1513) The Prince. Translated by W.K. Marriott.
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In this Audio Log, I talk a little bit about motivation in the context of self interest. I reflect back on the scenario I made up for ‘Opposition’, one of the other key elements of conflict that I’m currently exploring.
Motivation can stem from the want to stay in power no matter what. Not necessarily because those in power seek to use their influence for the greater good, but rather due to their want to stay in a position of power just for the sake of it.
“Have you ever tried going mad without power? Its boring! No one listens to you.” - Russ Cargill, The Simpsons Movie (2007).
To be powerful, you have to feel powerful: The critical component of Personal Power
I found this article that discusses how the human desire and motivation to achieve power is rooted in human psychology, often stemming from needs for autonomy, control and self-worth. In this context, power can act as a tool for self fulfilment. Of course, it also comes with bigger risks as power can easily corrupt, as talked about above.
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Q) How does motivation evolve when faced with significant obstacles or setbacks?
A) When characters come across obstacles, their motivations can either get stronger or shift elsewhere. Characters may also reconsider what their priorities are, which can lead to leading to understanding of what really matters.
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Q) In what ways can a character’s motivation create dilemmas or conflicts with others?
A) A character’s motivation can lead to dilemmas, especially when personal wants conflict with what's considered to be normal in society. Characters that are driven by revenge might be internally conflicted with the morals of their actions, leading to interpersonal conflicts with friends or allies who prioritize the opposite of what they do.
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Q) How can a character’s motivation shift over time and what events might catalyze these changes?
A) Character motivations can shift due to many different reasons such as trauma, loss, growth, or even relationships. For example: A character who starts with a strong motivation to achieve power might find their motivations changing after experiencing genuine love or loss, leading them to seek redemption instead.
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