School of War
Ep 145: Christopher Lynch on Machiavelli at War
Sep 20, 2024
Christopher Lynch, a Political Science Professor at Missouri State University and contributor to Machiavelli on War, delves into the turbulent world of Renaissance warfare and Niccolò Machiavelli. He discusses the chaos sparked by the French invasion of 1494, which led to the rise of republicanism in Florence. Lynch critiques Machiavelli’s views on mercenaries versus a native military and examines his strategic insights during the campaign for Pisa. The conversation also touches on Machiavelli's exile and the complex morality in his works, revealing whether he was a reformer or a proponent of cunning politics.
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Quick takeaways
- Machiavelli's rise as a political thinker stemmed from the chaos of the French invasion, which shifted Florence towards republicanism.
- He emphasized the need for a native military force over mercenary armies to ensure effective governance and defense in Florence.
Deep dives
Machiavelli's Context in Renaissance Florence
Niccolo Machiavelli lived in a time when Italy was not a unified nation but consisted of various competing city-states and outside powers like France and Spain. Florence, where Machiavelli established his political career, was under the control of the Medici family, who maintained stability in a politically volatile landscape. However, the French invasion in 1494 disrupted this balance, leading to the Italian Wars and significant shifts in power dynamics. These events ultimately set the stage for Machiavelli's rise as a political thinker and military strategist as he grappled with the chaos and instability of his time.
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