The Core Concept of Niccolò Machiavelli : Maintaining Power is More Important than Virtue

Authors

  • Prakrusunthornweerabundhit Buriram Buddhist College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
  • Weerachai Yossothorn Buriram Rajabhat University, Thailand
  • Rangsitti Wihokhren Buriram Buddhist College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
  • Peeraphong Mala Buriram Buddhist College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University
  • Chaiphat Suriyarojanakul Buriram Rajabhat University

Keywords:

Power, Virtue, Political Philosophy, Political Realism

Abstract

             This research aims to study and analyze the core concepts of Nicolo Machiavelli, particularly the concept that the preservation of power is more important than morality, through an examination of his work “The Prince” and related academic works.
             The research employs a qualitative methodology, analyzing content and comparing classical and modern political philosophy concepts. The results of research found that Machiavelli distinguishes personal ethics from the ethics of political leaders and accepts the use of strategies that may conflict with morality if they can maintain power and the stability of the state. This concept aligns with realist political theory and has a significant influence on modern political theory in both global and Thai social contexts. The research recommends promoting an understanding of the balance between power and ethics in practice and continuing this study in diverse political and social contexts.

References

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Berlin, I. (1971b). The Originality of Machiavelli. In Four Essays on Liberty (pp. 118–147). Oxford University Press.

Locke, J. (1980). Two Treatises of Government. (P. Laslett, Ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Machiavelli, N. (2008). The Prince. (Q. Skinner & R. Price, Eds.). Cambridge University Press.

Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace.

Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.

Skinner, Q. (2000). Machiavelli: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.

Strauss, L. (1958). Thoughts on Machiavelli. University of Chicago Press.

Thak, C. (2007). Thailand: The politics of despotic paternalism. Cornell Southeast Asia Program.

Walzer, M. (1983). Spheres of Justice: A Defense of Pluralism and Equality. Basic Books.

Walzer, M. (1973). Political action: The problem of dirty hands. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 2(2), 160–180.

Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social and Economic Organization (A. M. Henderson & T. Parsons, Trans.). Oxford University Press.

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Published

2026-07-16

How to Cite

Prakrusunthornweerabundhit, Yossothorn, W., Wihokhren, R. ., Mala, P. ., & Suriyarojanakul, C. . (2026). The Core Concept of Niccolò Machiavelli : Maintaining Power is More Important than Virtue. Academic MCU Buriram Journal, 11(2), 358–366. retrieved from https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ambj/article/view/292859

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Section

Research Articles