Abstract
Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) received a humanist education which emphasized the prevalence of public goods over private interests which rejected corruption, tyranny and the pursuit of glory. In The Prince (1513), dedicated to the Medici who re-assumed power in Florence, Machiavelli studied the conditions of the creation of a new power. In this review, I will attempt to analyze Machiavelli's theories about the methods a ruler should employ to remain as the head of the state. I will particularly study his conception of the use of fear and violence to do so.
