Essay on Politics Nixon and Machiavelli

Write an essay in which you analyze the excerpt from Niccolo Machiavelli’s book, The Prince, that
appears in our Barnet book. The purpose of an analytical essay is to divide a topic into several sections in
order to give the reader a better understanding of it. Machiavelli’s thesis is this: “. . . it is necessary for a prince
[political leader] wishing to hold his own to know how to do wrong, and to make use of it or not according to
necessity” (644). Machiavelli seems to be arguing here that “the ends justify the means” (although he never
actually uses this phrase in The Prince).
Based on Niccolo Machiavelli’s arguments, does the character of President Richard M. Nixon in director Oliver
Stone’s film Nixon represent a Machiavellian “Prince”? Why or why not? If your answer is “yes,” explain how
Nixon’s words and actions illustrate the advice Machiavelli offers to political leaders.
Divide Machiavelli’s argument into several sections in order to give your audience a better understanding of it.
Machiavelli’s thesis is this: “. . . it is necessary for a prince [political leader] wishing to hold his own to know
how to do wrong, and to make use of it or not according to necessity” (644). Machiavelli seems to be arguing
here that “the ends justify the means” (although he never actually uses this phrase in The Prince).
Please use examples from each of the following sources to support your thesis:
Machiavelli’s The Prince.
Oliver Stone’s film Is President Richard M. Nixon, as portrayed in the film, a Machiavellian politician? You may
argue for or against Machiavelli and/or Nixon, if you wish. If you are arguing against Machiavelli, you may use
examples of Nixon’s failures (such as the Watergate scandal and the bombing of Cambodia) to support your
argument. If you are arguing in favor of Machiavelli, you may use examples of Nixon’s successes (such as the
opening of friendly relations with China) to support your thesis.
Your own knowledge of politics and politicians. You may include information on the historical Richard M. Nixon,
and/or other historical or contemporary leaders (such as President Donald Trump).

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