Rosecela Semedo

AP European History
13 August 2015
To Be Loved Or To Be Feared
In a world where we are constantly shown the good and the evil, imaginative idealization
has become less popular. To achieve the goals we set out, we adopt pragmatism of realism using practical methods that can accordingly and successfully deal with situations. In doing so,
many of our code of ethics and morality can get lost in the process. In the novel The Prince, by
Niccolo Machiavelli, the distinction between morality and politics comes to light. Machiavelli's
pragmatism tolerated immorality to enable a long-term stability of the state. Somehow this book,
which was written in the 16th century, still holds relevance today. Vladimir Putin is the prince of
the 21st century. Strong, intelligent and powerful, he is deeply admired by his people. He
displays great virtues - reflecting a positive image to his people. At the same time, he is wary and
suspectful of everyones motives. Vladimir Putin consistently demonstrates the Machiavellian
qualities and in return has become a very notable and successful leader.
On October 7, 1952, Vladimir Putin was born in Leningrad. He received a high education
from Leningrad State University in 1975. He then went off working in the KGB, the world's
largest spy and state-security service, as an intelligence officer. After retirement, he became
Anatoly Sobchak's, mayor of Leningrad, head of external relations. He then became his first
deputy mayor in 1994. In 1998, Putin was appointed deputy head of management under Boris
Yeltsin's presidential administration. Shortly afterward, Putin was appointed head of the Federal
Security & Yeltsin's Security Council. Finally in 1999, Yeltsin promoted Putin to prime minister.
All before assuming a presidential role, Putin had an extensive resume. He was very

knowledgeable and wise by the time he came into office because of his experiences. This reflects
the Machiavellian principle that a strong leader is one that is wise. His wiseness has allowed him
to rule with an advantage. By now he would already know what/what not to do in any given
circumstance.
As a prime minister, Putin started working on his image to the public. He became deeply
involved in community projects and increasing the standard of life in Russia. In response to one
of the deadliest fires in the country's history, Putin went out to shelters to show his condolences
to those who lost their homes and families. To compensate, he offered housing for all the victims.
Actions like this made the people of Russia see him as a good man with virtues. This is clear
through a constant high approval rating through polls and influential people - 67% currently and
65% average. This is a sign of the charm, respect and trust his country has in him. This is the
Machiavellian principle that one must keep a good public opinion.
Putin's actions are not always positive. The leader is known to be weary of others'
agendas - a similar idea expressed by Machiavelli. Machiavelli stressed that a good leader must
trust himself only because humans are all selfish beings. So it is important to be cautious and
observant - making decisions that will make the state stable no matter the costs. Putin does just
that. Although he puts on the image that he is very good friends with the US, his remarks and
actions proves that he takes their relationship with caution. In December 2012, Putin signed into
law a ban on the U.S. adoption of Russian children. Although it was an action that Putin seen
would strain their relationship, he still went through with it because it was aimed to make it
easier for Russians to adopt native orphans, justifying that Putin will do anything to make sure
his state is stable, even if that jumbling up others. Putin further strained relations with the United
States for granting asylum to Edward Snowden. It is clear that Putin did not care because he

takes his own initiative, much like a good prince. On September 11, 2013, Putin released an oped piece entitled "A Plea for Caution From Russia," via The New York Times, speaking directly to
the U.S.'s position in taking action against Syria. In the closing statements he takes a jab at the
US by saying that as people of God, we are all equal as opposed to the US' theory that the way
they're set up is exceptional and better.
Vladimir Putin would make a great Prince in Machiavelli's time and I am sure that
Machiavelli would have been proud of Putin and all his successes. Although there are still areas
that he can work on, such as being more hated by his people rather than being loved, Putin is a
great example of applying old pragmatism to the modern age. In Putins continuance of reign,
you are able to see the success of the tactics described in The Prince and for once, the tactics do
not seem as irrational as before.

Citations
Putin, Vladmir. "Vladimir Putin." Vladimir Putin Personal Website. Russian Presidential
Executive Office. Web. 9 Aug. 2015.
Putin, Vladimir. "A Plea for Caution From Russia." The New York Times. The New York Times,
11 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Aug. 2015.
"Russians Say Successful International Policy Is Putin's Major Achievement." RT Question
More. Autonomous Nonprofit Organization TV-Novosti, 9 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Aug.
2015.
"Vladimir Putin." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 10 Aug. 2015.