Reason of State: The Absolute Power of Ivan Terrible and Stalin
Abstract
In From Politics to Reason of State, Maurizio Viroli identifies Machiavelli as the chief mastermind of the transition from the end of politics as the art of establishing a good community to the aim of politics as the pursuit of power. Once a ruler has secured his power, then he can pursue the good of the people, but his chief aim is in securing and preserving his own power. During Machiavelli's time, there was a distinct difference between the concept of politics and that of reason of state. Politics was viewed as those actions taken by a government that would establish the good of the community. Reason of state pertained to those actions taken by a ruler that would enhance his own power and preserve his position. Although these are the definitions that Viroli specifically concentrated upon in his book, this definition of politics as the good of society is too Aristotelian a definition of politics as Viroli himself admits. This paper uses the modem definition of politics identified by Viroli, "any practice of government, legislation, and jurisdiction. Politics incorporates all aspects concerning the governing of a people, regardless of the ultimate goal. Tyranny, as well as democracy, is a form of politics because both deal with methods of governing the people. The moral aspect of politics certainly addresses the end goal, but the methods aspect of politics, those means used to govern the people, exists regardless of the aim. The method aspect incorporates both a science and an art form. There are many explanations for the rationale motivating a leader while he is in power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 05, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA406545
Entities
People
- Zachary M. Laird
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology