Title: Machiavelli and ‘The Prince’: Why Was it ‘Safer to be Feared than Loved’? | History Hit
Headings: Machiavelli and ‘The Prince’: Why Was it ‘Safer to be Feared than Loved’?
Machiavelli and ‘The Prince’: Why Was it ‘Safer to be Feared than Loved’?
Isabel Sobowale
Crumbling dynasties and religious extremism
A change of fortune – again
The Prince
Brutally realistic perceptions of power
The perfect leader
Necessary evils
Machiavelli in our time

Content: Machiavelli in our time
Joseph Stalin epitomised the ‘New Prince’, who Machiavelli described, somehow unifying love and fear whilst simultaneously pursuing his ambitious political plan for Russia. Ruthless in his conduct, moderate estimates suggest that he was directly responsible for the death of 40 million people. Indisputably, Joseph Stalin terrorised Russian civilians in an almost unprecedented manner. Banner of Stalin in Budapest in 1949. He systematically eliminated all opposition, crushing anyone who threatened the stability of his regime. His random “purges” and constant stream of executions ensured that civilians were far too weak and afraid to oppose any significant threat. Even his own men were terrified of him, as exemplified by the reluctance of those working in his dacha to enter his office, following his death. Nevertheless, despite his tyrannical behaviour, the majority of Russians were wholly loyal to him; whether due to incredible propaganda or his military triumphs over Nazi Germany many Russians truly rallied around the despotic leader. Therefore, as a leader, Stalin was a Machiavellian miracle.