By Shanker Man Singh

Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" at the age of about 46, specifically describing how one should operate if one wants to gain and maintain power. Interestingly, Machiavelli was not so much interested in ethics and morality as he was in absolute effectiveness and efficiency.

It is said that if one learns anything from "The Prince", it is that by reading it, one will be better equipped to resist those who try to deceive or manipulate to gain power.

Therefore, one should be wise towards those politicians, leaders, managers and friends who are trying to motivate for social or economic gain. The principles mentioned in “The Prince” seem to help one see the world for what it is, rather than what others think.

Machiavelli's “The Prince” is a foundational text in political philosophy and offers many key insights into power, leadership, and human behavior. In some important respects, the nature of power Machiavelli emphasizes that the acquisition of power and political leadership are central to it. He argues that rulers should be pragmatic and sometimes act immorally if it serves the interests of the state.

Realism over idealism

       The book advocates a realistic approach to politics, which suggests that leaders should focus on how things are rather than how they should be. This approach prioritizes practical outcomes over moral considerations.

The end justifies the means, Machiavelli famously argues that the results of political actions can justify the means used to achieve them. Leaders may have to resort to deception, manipulation, or cruelty to maintain stability and control. The importance of appearance. The perception of a ruler is important. Machiavelli advises leaders to appear virtuous while being willing to act immorally when necessary. The ability to manage public opinion is seen as an important skill. Adaptability

       A successful ruler must be adaptable and able to respond to changing circumstances. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of being flexible in strategy and tactics.

       The role of fate Machiavelli discusses the concept of fate (chance) in human affairs, suggesting that while fate plays a role, it is ultimately the skill and decisiveness of the ruler that determines success.

Military preparedness

       He emphasizes the importance of a strong army to maintain power and defend the state. A ruler must be knowledgeable about military matters and prioritize the security of the state. Human nature

       Machiavelli presents a somewhat cynical view of human nature, suggesting that people are selfish and untrustworthy. This view informs his recommendations for rulers to be cautious and strategic in their dealings with others.

The importance of strong leadership

       Effective leadership is depicted as essential to the stability of a state. A strong leader must be decisive, willing to make difficult choices, and command respect.

       Overall, “The Prince” serves as a guide for leaders navigating the complexities of power and governance. Its lessons remain relevant in discussions of political strategy, ethics, and the nature of authority.

       Although often viewed as controversial, Machiavelli’s insights challenge readers to think critically about the realities of political life. Self-reliance – Being self-reliant. Pragmatism – Looking at the effects of something rather than at its consequences. What good is it if it has a bad effect? And how bad is it if something has a good effect?

       It’s all in the observer’s perspective and precise context. When presented with evidence or experienced, in order not to be swayed by dogma, one must reevaluate general principles.

       How rulers/nations govern, how people want to be governed, and the interaction between the two. It’s best to separate religion from politics. These are general principles that can be taken from the book. Everyone may have their own interpretation, possibly different because the book is ambiguous.

       Nepal's politics is a long story of struggle, change and ups and downs. The political history of Nepal, from the Rana regime, the rule of kings and maharajas to democracy, the Panchayat system, multi-party democracy, armed struggle, and the establishment of a republic, has gone through many phases.

       It is misleading to say that leaders come from elections. Elections give us representatives, not necessarily leaders. Leadership is a specific quality -- which must be cultivated through experience, perspective and responsibility.

       There are those who believe that the misconception that winning an election makes someone a leader is deeply flawed.

       On the other hand, the belief that one must hold office or win an election to become a leader is equally wrong. Leadership exists both inside and outside power. There may be elected leaders, and there may be leaders who may never be a contender for office.

       Leadership exists both inside and outside power. There may be elected leaders, and there may be leaders who may never be a contender for office.

       Leadership is about personal integrity, vision, loyalty and competence. Nepal’s biggest crisis is a crisis of leadership – and not just in politics.

       Political leadership may be at the forefront, but there is also a lack of leadership in our homes, institutions and communities. A solution to this is necessary and possible.

       Good governance is not a myth or an illusion. But every institution must own its jurisdiction. For example , the Ministry of Health must be accountable for public health.

       We tend to look for leadership in one person, which is a mistake. Leadership had to be found in governance, in values, in action – not just in politics. Unfortunately, we are modern in appearance but archaic in thought.

       We enjoy modern conveniences, but our work culture is old. Today, Nepal has an institution that is a symbol of good governance. It can be said that every regulatory institution has some shortcomings.

       In this context, if regulators had done their job, service providers would have been held accountable, and the system would have improved. We can no longer be complacent. This trajectory cannot continue. Why is the country becoming so unfriendly to its own people? Why do so many of us live with the lack of visas to live with dignity? This is not a trivial problem – it is a socio-psychological crisis. And at its core is the lack of good governance.      

       Good governance should be a topic of discussion at every level of our society. People should be made aware of its importance repeatedly. But there are a significant number of people who believe that we have failed to raise our finger where necessary.

       “Politics for power and power. Gain power by any means, reach power, sit in office and stay there by any means. If you are thrown out of power or authority, start to overthrow it and ascend it again the next day.”        

       Some people believe that it would be better for all parties to leave the past to history, especially if that history is the subject of writing.

       A quote from wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill takes aim at many political memoirs. No politician of any stature gets through a career without upsetting the public.       A former leader may feel that his achievements have been forgotten or that his decisions have been misinterpreted. For those who fear being defined by a big negative, trying to reclaim the legacy they believe they deserve is high on the agenda.

       A politician who has fallen from the public eye but intends to make a full comeback sometimes publishes a biography, especially on talk shows, where the book can secure bookings. This is a fresh look at Nepali politics, although it is not new. Nepali politics has become a game of ‘musical chairs’ of similar power grabs.

       The political leadership, which was once the role model of the people, has now abandoned the politics of ideas and is running a marathon in search of power and authority, regardless of its old age.

       At a glance, according to the advocates of the parliamentary system in Nepal, the argument is that no matter how many votes one gets, one can become an MP in the parliament, and no matter how many MPs one has or does not have, one can become a minister, won at that time.

       And, the reformed parliamentary system was adopted in the constitution. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the first basis of politics is ideological thought. Thought gives birth to an organization, and its spread and influence depend on the working style adopted by the organization. The state runs on politics. Politics is said to be the king or the top of all policies.     That is why politics is said to be the main policy of all policies. In Nepal, there is no impression that parties give importance to the aspect of ideas. That is why governments have been formed without ideas or parties have ignored ideas.

       According to some people, there is no basis for distinguishing between Marxists and non-Marxists who accuse Marxists of authoritarianism in terms of power and authority.

       Nepal has now entered a federal democratic republic, but the people have not been able to achieve the expected results of stability, good governance and economic prosperity.   It is said that politics is not just a game of power, it is a matter related to the future of the country and its citizens. Therefore, the active role of the government, political parties, civil society and the general public is necessary to take Nepali politics in the right direction.

       The possibility of a stable government in Nepal is very low. The challenge of implementing federalism has also surfaced. Provincial governments have not yet been fully effective.

If the right policies and reform efforts can be implemented in the country, there is no doubt that Nepal can establish itself as a stable, prosperous and democratic country in the future. That being said, the country's political future still has ample potential to be effective, but to achieve that, it is necessary and even imperative to adopt long-term thinking, honest leadership, and a transparent governance system.

       Politics is not just a game of power, it is a matter related to the future of the country and its citizens. Therefore, the active role of the government, political parties, civil society, and the general public is necessary to steer Nepali politics in the right direction.