Politics
The Machiavellian Characteristics of President George W. Bush
George W. Bush has followed in his fathers' footsteps, becoming the 43rd President of the U.S., holding office between 2001 and 2009. He is a president that held power during a notable period, with the 9/11 attacks occurring only a year into his presidency. Like any U.S. president, there will be a number of controversial issues associated with his presidency, including the way action was taken in Iraq. In hindsight it may be argued that President Bush was acting in a very Machiavellian manner, aligned with Machiavelli's ideal Prince.
The alignment between the prince and Bush may not be surprising when it is realized that both a principle adviser to the president; Karl Rove, as well as Republic strategists and friend, Lee Atwater where both avid fans of Machiavelli (Phillips 147). However, to argue the likeness requires an examination of examples rather than the identification of potential Machiavellian influences.
Machiavelli's ideas interesting, as they abandon the context of morality, instead Machiavelli looked to the ways by which power may be obtained, maintained and utilized effectively. Machiavelli may be argued as providing practical advice. Bush himself embodies many of the characteristics associated with the ideal prince, and may be seen as following some of that advice.
When looking at President Bush's career, the way in which Bush came to power can be considered in the context of Machiavelli. In chapter 9, Machiavelli states
"One ascends to this principality either with the support of the people or with the support of the great"
(Machiavelli, chapter 9).
As President Bush himself came from a powerful political family, maybe argued that is inheritance and support of others in power was a...
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