Melanias purse wrote Yesterday at 4:05pm:



Bint Saddo has learned it all from you and gweggy.

You are the cat and the fox to her Pinocchio.

Frank wrote Yesterday at 4:19pm:


And you are Aquascoot's muse, dear boy.

As an artist, I hear he's quite the smearer.

You?

Finished.

aquascoot wrote Yesterday at 4:37pm:

How old are you?

Melanias purse wrote Yesterday at 4:44pm:



It's not ironic at all .
You haven't studied it have you.
Donny has



The Relevance of The Prince to Modern Politics
Even though The Prince was written in 1513, its ideas still show up everywhere in modern politics — from election campaigns to international diplomacy.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Image Management & Political Branding
Machiavelli said a ruler must appear virtuous — even if they aren’t.
Today:
Politicians carefully craft public images.
Media teams manage messaging and damage control.
Appearances of strength, empathy, or patriotism are strategic tools.
Modern campaigns are less about pure policy and more about perception management, which is deeply Machiavellian.
2️⃣ “Better to Be Feared Than Loved”
In international politics especially:
Powerful countries use military strength as deterrence.
Leaders project toughness to avoid appearing weak.
Sanctions, military drills, and strategic threats reinforce authority.
Fear creates compliance — but Machiavelli warned: never become hated.
Modern leaders who cross that line often face revolt, impeachment, or international backlash.
3️⃣ Realism in Foreign Policy
Machiavelli is considered an early thinker of political realism — the idea that:
States act in their own self-interest.
Morality is secondary to survival.
Power determines outcomes.
Modern international relations theory (Realism) echoes this:
Alliances shift based on interest.
Countries justify morally questionable actions as “national security.”
4️⃣ Control Through Stability
Machiavelli believed a ruler’s top job is maintaining order and stability.
Today:
Governments justify surveillance for security.
Emergency powers are used during crises.
Strong executive authority is defended as necessary for stability.
This reflects his belief that disorder is worse than harsh rule.
5️⃣ Strategic Use of Crisis
Machiavelli believed crises are opportunities for bold action.
Modern examples:
Leaders pushing major reforms during emergencies.
Expanding executive power during wars or pandemics.
Using instability to consolidate authority.
Crises test a leader’s virtù — their decisiveness and skill.
6️⃣ Populism & Power Consolidation
Many modern populist leaders use Machiavellian tactics:
Position themselves as strong saviors.
Undermine institutions that threaten their power.
Reward loyal supporters.
Control narratives through media.
Machiavelli advised rulers to weaken rivals and secure loyalty — strategies still visible today.

aquascoot wrote Yesterday at 5:43pm:


Sorry, dear, my bad.

I thought you said you'd read the book.

aquascoot wrote Yesterday at 5:44pm:

No, that question was rhetorical.

You may be a boomer, as you've told us... but your developmental age?