Single Idea 6309

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 3. Constitutions]

Full Idea

The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies.

Gist of Idea

The principle foundations of all states are good laws and good armies

Source

Niccolo Machiavelli (The Prince [1513], Ch.11)

Book Reference

Machiavelli,Niccolo: 'The Prince, selections from Discourses', ed/tr. Plamenatz,J [Fontana 1972], p.90


A Reaction

We may be wondering, since 1945, whether a good army is any longer essential, but it would be a foolish modern state which didn't at least form a strong alliance with a state which had a strong army. Fertile land is a huge benefit to a state.