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Machiavelli's The Prince is an important modern work of political science, but it is also one that has been often misinterpreted by students and scholars. This work helps the reader to better understand Machiavelli's consequentialism and realism by using examples from modern films and television series to illustrate his messages.
List of contents
Introduction: "The Ends Justify the Means" or "One Must Consider the Final Result"?
1.Studying and Using History: Charlie Wilson's War
2.Caress or Annihilate When Taking Power: The Godfather and Breaking Bad
3.Nip Political Problems in the Bud: Charlie Wilson's War, Primary Colors, and A Bronx Tale
4.People Accustomed to Freedom Will Seek It Again: Braveheart and Red Dawn
5.The Difficulty of Introducing Something New and the Importance of Being Armed: The Untouchables and Charlie Wilson's War
6.Bribery and Dirty Work: Lincoln, Richard III, and Wag the Dog
7.The Problems of Being in Charge without Prior Experience: Dave and Orphan Black
8.The Use of Cruelty: Hoffa, Wag the Dog, and The Untouchables
9.Reliance on the People: All the King's Men and O Brother, Where Art Thou?
10.Rally 'Round the Flag: Wag the Dog, Braveheart, and The Patriot
11.Power Can Be Exercised in Any Institution: The Da Vinci Code and The Manchurian Candidate
12.Keep Your Own Army and Prepare It for War: Braveheart, Heat, Alexander, and Independence Day
13.Vices versus Virtues and Learning Not to Be Good: Scarface, The Godfather, The Departed, and Richard III
14.Miserliness is Better than Liberality: Ghostbusters and The Patriot
15.It is Better to Be Feared than Loved: Band of Brothers, A Few Good Men, and A Bronx Tale
16.Deception: The Godfather, Primary Colors, The Walking Dead, and Bob Roberts
17.The Lion and the Fox: The Godfather, Breaking Bad, Charlie Wilson's War, The Usual Suspects, and Argo
18.Pick a Side and Stick to Your Decisions in Politics: The Contender, Harry Potter, and House of Cards
19.The Need for Both Military and Popular Support: Lincoln, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Red Dawn
20.Honor Those with Talent and Hold Festivals: Gladiator, The Hunger Games, and House of Cards
21.Have Only a Few Trusted Advisors and Give them Wealth so they Remain Loyal: House of Cards, Breaking Bad, The Departed, and Lord of the Rings
22.Virtue versus Fortune: Election and Mad Men
Conclusions: Seeking Greater Glory
About the author
By Eric T. Kasper and Troy Kozma
Summary
Machiavelli’s The Prince is an important modern work of political science, but it is also one that has been often misinterpreted by students and scholars. This work helps the reader to better understand Machiavelli’s consequentialism and realism by using examples from modern films and television series to illustrate his messages.
