Introduction: "The ends justify the means" or "One must consider the final result"? -- Studying and using history: Charlie Wilson's war -- Caress or annihilate when taking power: The godfather and Breaking bad -- Nip political problems in the bud: Charlie Wilson's war, Primary colors, and A Bronx tale -- People accustomed to freedom will seek it again: Braveheart and Red dawn -- The difficulties of being a reformer and the importance of having arms: The Untouchables and Charlie Wilson's war -- Bribery and dirty work: Lincoln, Richard III, and Wag the dog -- The problems of being in charge without prior experience: Dave and Orphan Black -- The use of cruelty: Hoffa, Wag the dog, and The Untouchables -- Reliance on the people: All the king's men and O brother, where art thou? -- Rally 'round the flag: Wag the dog, Braveheart, and The patriot -- Power can be exercised in any institution: The Da Vinci code and The Manchurian candidate -- Keep your own army and prepare it for war: Braveheart, Heat, Alexander, and Independence Day -- Vices versus virtues and learning not to be good: Scarface, The godfather, The departed, and Richard III -- Miserliness is better than liberality: Ghostbusters and The patriot -- It is better to be feared than loved: Band of brothers, A few good men, and A Bronx tale -- Deception: The godfather, Primary colors, The walking dead, and Bob Roberts -- The lion and the fox: The godfather, Breaking bad, Charlie Wilson's war, The usual suspects, and Argo -- Pick a side and stick to your decisions in politics: The contender, Harry Potter, and House of cards -- The need for both military and popular support: Lincoln, O brother, where art thou?, and Red dawn -- Honor those with talent and hold festivals: Gladiator, The hunger games, and House of cards -- Have few trusted advisors and give them wealth to remain loyal: House of cards, Breaking bad, The departed, and Lord of the rings -- Virtue versus fortune: Election and Mad men -- Conclusions: Seeking greater glory.
Summary:
"...Breaking Bad, The Godfather, The Walking Dead, Charlie Wilson's War, House of Cards, Argo, and The Departed, are replete with illustrations that teach Machiavelli's critical principles, including the need to caress or annihilate, learning "how not to be good," why it is better to be feared than loved, and how to act as both the lion and the fox. Examples from contemporary mass media media are used in this book to exemplify the tactics Machiavelli advocated and to comprehensively demonstrate that Machiavelli intended for government actors and those exercising power to fight for a greater good."--P. 4 of cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.