Which one among the following characteristics is incorrect regarding Machiavelli’s thought?

Correct option is C

(c) is the incorrect statement regarding Machiavelli’s thought. In fact, Machiavelli did not reject the republican system in principle. While he acknowledged the potential benefits of a monarchy, he was a strong advocate of republican governance, especially in his work Discourses on Livy. Machiavelli believed that republican systems, with active citizen participation and a balance of power, could be more stable and effective than monarchical rule. He admired the Roman Republic and its structures, emphasizing the importance of civic virtue and the rule of law. He was critical of corrupt republics but saw great potential in a well-functioning republic.
Explanation of options:
· (a) He propounded statecraft theory: This is correct. Machiavelli is often credited with propounding statecraft theory, particularly in his seminal work The Prince. He focused on how rulers can gain and maintain power and navigate the complexities of statecraft and governance.
· (b) Enlightened tyranny is necessary to tie corrupt people into the thread of governance: This is also correct. Machiavelli discussed the concept of the "prince" who might need to resort to tyranny, or ruthless power, to maintain stability, especially in a corrupt society. However, he did emphasize that such tyranny should be enlightened, meaning it should ultimately aim for the public good.
· (c) In principle, the republican system is not the best: This is incorrect. Machiavelli did not dismiss republicanism. He believed that republics, especially when governed with civic virtue and participation, could be more stable and effective than monarchies.
· (d) He was a fierce critic of the condottieri system: This is correct. Machiavelli criticized the condottieri, which were mercenary soldiers, for being unreliable and ineffective in defending Italy. He argued that relying on mercenaries was dangerous for a state, and he favored a national militia composed of citizens for defense.
Information Booster:
· Machiavelli’s View on Republicanism: In Discourses on Livy, Machiavelli analyzed the Roman Republic and discussed how the balance between the consuls, the Senate, and the people ensured the stability of Rome. He admired the political institutions of Rome and believed that a republican system with active citizen participation was key to political stability and freedom.
· Machiavelli’s Advocacy for Stability: While Machiavelli often focused on the acquisition and maintenance of power, he was not opposed to republics. His concern was with the stability of the state, and he thought that republics, if functioning well, could be more stable than monarchies, especially if they were grounded in civic virtues.