1) Can the strategies and idealogies set forth by Machiavelli be used successfully by politicians today?
2) Should politicians adopt a Machiavellian mindset?
The first question should be taken from the politicians' perspective. Therefore, "success" doesn't necessarily mean that the country would benefit; it just means that the politician would benefit. In answering the question you also need to state whether it is possible for a modern ruler to be machiavellian (IE without being overthrown, losing the next election, etc).
The second question should be taken from the perspective of the country. This means that a ruler who used Machiavellian strategies would benefit the country more than a ruler who used different strategies.
This is NOT a "Who was the best Machiavellian ruler???" thread. Please do not turn it into one.
In answering the question you also need to state whether it is possible for a modern ruler to be machiavellian (IE without being overthrown, losing the next election, etc).
