Editura Lumen
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Autor: Ioana Petre
Machiavelli and the Legitimization of the Realism in International Relations
Iasi, 2009
Nr. pag. 99

Machiavelli's ideas have been taken into account and applied not only at the level of internal politics, but also in the field of international relations. The most famous work of the Italian diplomat, The Prince, does not contain only guidelines for ruling within the borders of one's territory. Moreover, most of the advice that Machiavelli provides refers to the behavior of the politician with respect to the events that are performed on the international arena.

The aim of the present research is to analyze the connection and the degree of influence that exist between Machiavelli's political and philosophical ideas and realism. In this respect, it could be argued that the topic of the paper belongs both to the field of political theory, as well as to that of International Relations.

As the title accurately reflects, the two main figures of the research are Machiavelli and the realist theory. In the following pages, I shall try to explain the relationship which exists between the two and also to what extent we may talk about an influence or not.

Realism draws its main ideas and concepts from several sources. However, Machiavelli's arguments represent some fundamental elements in the shaping of this theory. The research shall not focus only on asserting that there is a Machiavellian influence in the development of realism, but also on quantifying this influence and on explaining its evolution and change in the major writings of several realist scholars.

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