Is ruthless pragmatism the new political mantra?

Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince has long been regarded as a handbook for rulers seeking to consolidate power through any means necessary - deception, manipulation and strategic cruelty. While it was penned 500 years ago, its principles resonate strongly with the current wave of populist leaders around the world. From Donald Trump in the US to Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil and Narendra Modi in India, many modern leaders appear to have embraced the core Machiavellian tenet: the end justifies the means. As populism reshapes global politics, The Prince has found new relevance, with 'ruthless pragmatism' becoming the mantra of the day.

Machiavelli emphasises a successful ruler should not be bound by conventional ethics or morality. Rather, he should prioritise the stability and power of his state above all else. Modern day populists appear to follow this sentiment in the unashamed manner in which they employ polarising language and tactics, authoritarianism, and outright disregard for democratic institutions.

Let's take Trump's presidency, where his flexibility of stance, discrediting opponents on the basis of persona, and exploitation of voters' anxieties entirely epitomise Machiavelli's remark that a ruler must be "as wise as a fox and as strong as a lion". Trump's disregard for diplomatic norms and his frequent use of misinformation to influence public perception are emblematic of the Machiavellian belief that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved. He positioned himself as a political outsider, immune to the criticism of traditional elites, thereby creating a cult of personality akin to the image of a 'prince' who commands absolute loyalty.

In Brazil, Bolsonaro came to power and his insulting words, critics on multiculturalism and his military-like approach divided the country and energised his supporters. Just as Machiavelli's prince should not avoid being cruel if it is beneficial, Bolsonaro used dividing tactics, which excluded minorities to win over conservatives. His 'ruthless pragmatism' in governance - like deforestation in the Amazon or COVID-19 pandemic - signified his disregard for ecological and health crises if they threatened his economic priorities and stability of power.

Indian PM Modi's strategic deployment of nationalism, religious identity, and economic development narratives align with the Machiavellian advice to use symbols and ideology to command loyalty. His policies, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act and the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, have sparked widespread controversy but are defended as measures to strengthen India's integrity and security.

Machiavelli's concept of 'virtu' - adaptable leadership that shapes fortune to one's will - resonates with modern populist leaders who thrive on disregarding norms and exploiting public anxieties. During Brexit, 'virtu' was used by leaders such as Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage to turn a divided cause into a springboard for political celebrity and non-stop campaigning and propaganda, thus following Machiavelli's admonition to take advantage of chaos even if it appears momentarily. Their ascension usually reflects their downfall as the strategies that brought them to power turn against them, proving the inherent instability of modern Machiavellian politics.

The rise of populism raises a deeper question: is this trend towards ruthless pragmatism sustainable in democratic societies? Populist leaders often subvert democratic institutions to maintain control, undermining checks and balances. But history has shown that democracies have a way of pushing back. In the long run, citizens may tire of the chaos and unpredictability that define Machiavellian populism, leading to a resurgence of moderate, consensus-driven leadership.

The Prince, however, offers a stark reminder that power, when wielded without principle, comes at a price. The rise of populism may be fueled by a desire for strong leadership, but the long-term success of such leaders hinges on their ability to balance cunning with credibility. As Machiavelli himself might advise, it's not enough to be ruthless; a modern-day 'prince' must also know when to exercise restraint - lest they become the victim of their own machinations.