Machiavellian Concepts on the Use of Fear

In Machiavelli’s “Prince” he discussed the use of fear as a political tool to maintain the state. He argued that fear when properly directed could generate loyalty and bolster the support of the government. He went on to write that fear was only powerful when wielded with care and when abused could quickly become counterproductive and result in being hated by the people. Fear was potent because it was the prince’s creation. Unlike love that is given to the prince and can easily be taken away, fear is the prince’s tool and his alone. “…men love at their own free will but fear at the will of the prince…” Politicians throughout history have used fear tactics with varying degrees of success. For the purpose of my argument I will compare Machiavellian concepts on the use of fear with contemporary examples to prove its benefits particularly in the consolidation of power and promotion of obedience.

Machiavelli went to great lengths in his writing to outline rules governing the use of fear. He made the distinction between being feared and being hated. To be feared meant to be respected and obeyed. Being hated however spawned discontent and revolt. The unique strengths of fear can be seen in 1950’s America where fear played an economic as well as political role in shaping governmental policy and public opinions. The 1950’s was in many ways a period of uncertainty. American’s feared the external menace of Communism and the looming threat of nuclear war, but most of all they feared each other. The proliferation of the military industrial complex in the Eisenhower administration coupled with anti-communist media frenzy caused Americans to be exceedingly suspicious and entertain the possibility of spies being in there midst. Many politici...

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...ctively it could be a prince’s most powerful tool. Fear was a creation that could be used to manipulate the people in the best interest of the government and strengthen a prince against all threats foreign and domestic. Fear has taken many shapes throughout history and has been instrumental in the construction of many modern states. From the beginning of civilization to the present, fear has been left unchanged as a basic human emotion and powerful ally to those willing to wield it.

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http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERjews.htm