Machiavelli Goes to the Movies

Eric T. Kasper is assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.Troy A. Kozma is associate professor of philosophy for the University of Wisconsin Colleges.

• Introduction: “The Ends Justify the Means” or “One Must Consider the Final Result”?Studying and Using History: Charlie Wilson’s WarCaress or Annihilate When Taking Power: The Godfather and Breaking BadNip Political Problems in the Bud: Charlie Wilson’s War, Primary Colors, and A Bronx TalePeople Accustomed to Freedom Will Seek It Again: Braveheart and Red DawnThe Difficulty of Introducing Something New and the Importance of Being Armed: The Untouchables and Charlie Wilson’s WarBribery and Dirty Work: Lincoln, Richard III,and Wag the DogThe Problems of Being in Charge without Prior Experience: Dave and Orphan BlackThe Use of Cruelty: Hoffa, Wag the Dog, and The UntouchablesReliance on the People: All the King’s Men and O Brother, Where Art Thou?Rally ‘Round the Flag: Wag the Dog, Braveheart, and The PatriotPower Can Be Exercised in Any Institution: The Da Vinci Code and The Manchurian CandidateKeep Your Own Army and Prepare It for War: Braveheart, Heat, Alexander, and Independence DayVices versus Virtues and Learning Not to Be Good: Scarface, The Godfather, The Departed, and Richard IIIMiserliness is Better than Liberality: Ghostbusters and The PatriotIt is Better to Be Feared than Loved: Band of Brothers, A Few Good Men, and A Bronx TaleDeception: The Godfather, Primary Colors, The Walking Dead, and Bob RobertsThe Lion and the Fox: The Godfather, Breaking Bad, Charlie Wilson’s War, The Usual Suspects, and ArgoPick a Side and Stick to Your Decisions in Politics: The Contender, Harry Potter, and House of CardsThe Need for Both Military and Popular Support: Lincoln, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Red DawnHonor Those with Talent and Hold Festivals: Gladiator, The Hunger Games, and House of CardsHave Only a Few Trusted Advisors and Give them Wealth so they Remain Loyal: House of Cards, Breaking Bad, The Departed, and Lord of the RingsVirtue versus Fortune: Election and Mad MenConclusions: Seeking Greater Glory

Machiavelli is one of the most famous philosophers of all time, and the advice he offers in The Prince is noticeably influential in politics and in popular culture. Through the lens of this book we see that we can also learn about Machiavelli through television and film. The chapters in Machiavelli Goes to the Movies piece together significant works of popular culture, and insightfully demonstrate their reflection of Machiavelli's ideas, and what movies and television can continue to teach us about philosophy.