Problem
Different states face different political challenges.
Action
Adapt your methods to the state’s history and structure.
Outcome
Your rule becomes more effective.
Chapter: New Princedoms - Different kinds of princedoms and how they are acquired
Problem
Unnecessary changes can weaken loyalty.
Action
Maintain familiar traditions and governing practices.
Outcome
People accept your rule more readily.
Chapter: New Princedoms - Hereditary princedoms
Problem
Newly acquired territories often remain unstable.
Action
Address local concerns quickly and maintain a direct presence.
Outcome
The territory becomes easier to control.
Chapter: Mixed Princedoms - New conquests added to older states
Problem
Defeated ruling groups can organize resistance.
Action
Remove the political power of former rulers.
Outcome
The risk of rebellion decreases.
Chapter: Mixed Princedoms - Conquered kingdoms
Problem
Formerly free states often seek to recover their freedom.
Action
Establish lasting control over the institutions of government.
Outcome
Resistance becomes less likely.
Chapter: Mixed Princedoms - Conquered free states, with their own laws and orders
Problem
Power gained without personal capability is difficult to keep.
Action
Rely on your own skill and effort to establish authority.
Outcome
Your position becomes more secure.
Chapter: Totally New States - Conquests by virtue
Problem
Power gained through fortune can disappear quickly.
Action
Build institutions and support that do not depend on others.
Outcome
Your rule becomes more stable.
Chapter: Totally New States - Conquest by fortune, meaning by someone else’s virtue
Problem
Repeated harsh actions create lasting hostility.
Action
Apply necessary force quickly and then govern predictably.
Outcome
Public resistance declines.
Chapter: Totally New States - Of those who have obtained a principality through crimes
Problem
A ruler without public support is vulnerable.
Action
Avoid policies that unnecessarily burden ordinary citizens.
Outcome
Political stability increases.
Chapter: Totally New States - Becoming a prince by the selection of one’s fellow citizens
Problem
Dependence on others creates weakness.
Action
Assess whether the state can sustain and defend itself.
Outcome
Strategic weaknesses become clear.
Chapter: Strength and Ecclesiastical Rule - How to judge the strength of principalities
Problem
Authority weakens when its foundations are neglected.
Action
Preserve institutions that people already respect.
Outcome
Your rule gains durability.
Chapter: Strength and Ecclesiastical Rule - Ecclesiastical principalities
Problem
Hired soldiers may not serve your interests.
Action
Keep military power out of mercenary hands.
Outcome
Defense becomes more reliable.
Chapter: Defense and Military - Different kinds of armies and mercenaries
Problem
Foreign armies can become a danger to your rule.
Action
Depend on forces loyal to your own state.
Outcome
Military control becomes stronger.
Chapter: Defense and Military - Auxiliaries, mixed, and national armies
Problem
Neglect of military affairs invites defeat.
Action
Continuously study and prepare for warfare.
Outcome
You remain ready for threats.
Chapter: Defense and Military - A prince’s duty concerning military matters
Problem
A weak reputation reduces authority.
Action
Act in ways that reinforce effective leadership.
Outcome
Respect for your rule grows.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Reputation of a prince
Problem
Excessive generosity can exhaust resources.
Action
Use wealth carefully and avoid unnecessary spending.
Outcome
Financial strength is preserved.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Generosity vs parsimony
Problem
Unchecked disorder harms the state.
Action
Apply firm discipline when it prevents greater instability.
Outcome
Public order improves.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Cruelty vs mercy
Problem
Rigid promises can create serious risks.
Action
Honor commitments when they do not threaten the state.
Outcome
You retain strategic flexibility.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - In what way princes should keep their word
Problem
Public resentment threatens political survival.
Action
Respect personal security and property while maintaining authority.
Outcome
Opposition becomes weaker.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - How to avoid contempt and hatred
Problem
Small problems become difficult when ignored.
Action
Respond to emerging threats at an early stage.
Outcome
Major crises are less likely.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - The Prudence of the Prince
Problem
Physical defenses cannot replace political support.
Action
Strengthen trust between rulers and subjects.
Outcome
Your position becomes more secure.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Whether ruling conquests with fortresses works
Problem
Passive rulers lose influence and prestige.
Action
Pursue actions that clearly demonstrate capability.
Outcome
Your standing rises.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - How a prince should act to gain honors
Problem
Poor advisers weaken leadership.
Action
Choose and reward advisers who serve the state well.
Outcome
The quality of decisions improves.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Concerning the nobles and the staff of a prince
Problem
Flattery hides important truths.
Action
Seek candid opinions from trusted advisers.
Outcome
Judgment becomes more accurate.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - How flatterers should be avoided
Problem
External advantages can disappear without warning.
Action
Strengthen your position through your own resources and capabilities.
Outcome
Your rule becomes more durable.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - Why the princes of Italy have lost their states
Problem
Opportunities are often short-lived.
Action
Move boldly when circumstances favor action.
Outcome
Favorable conditions are used effectively.
Chapter: The Qualities of a Prince - How much fortune can do in human affairs and how to resist it
Problem
Division weakens collective strength.
Action
Lead people toward a shared national goal.
Outcome
Political unity increases.
Chapter: Final Exhortation - Exhortation to seize Italy and to free her from the barbarians