NTA UGC/NET/SET/JRF Political Science Paper 2 - 2024, 2nd Edition, Includes 2023 Solved Papers

CHAPTER 4

Niccolò Machiavelli

INTRODUCTION

Niccolò Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy on 3 May 1469. He was born at a time of conflict in Florence, Italy, between the republican leaders and the family of the Medicis, to which Niccolò Machiavelli’s, especially, had a history of opposition. After years of conflict between powers, Niccolò Machiavelli was exiled from his country. It was during this exile that he wrote his most famous work, ‘The Prince’ in 1513 CE, a piece about political power. Niccolò Machiavelli underlined the importance of politics as a public responsibility and the need for rules and maxims distinct from those applicable in the private sphere. He was honoured with the title of being the ‘First modern political theorist and ...