Discourses on Livy: The Politics Classic (Capstone Classics)

Machiavelli’s pragmatic blueprint for republican government and active citizenshipIn Discourses on Livy: The Politics Classic, Niccolò Machiavelli reveals a radically different political vision than the one portrayed in the autocratic ruthlessness of The Prince.Through careful commentary on Livy’s history of republican Rome, Machiavelli proposes a system of government that upholds civic freedom and security by instilling active citizenship virtues while encouraging citizens to prioritize state needs above selfish interests. Ambitious in scope yet clear-eyed and pragmatic, the Discourses forms a modern theory of republican politics continues to shine a light on contemporary financial, economic, and political issues regarding the role of the state and democracy. Readers will also discover: Machiavelli’s carefully argued framework for maintaining civic freedom while balancing individual liberty against collective state security and prosperityPractical insights on how republican institutio