Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, author David N. Levy uses Machiavelliâs conflict between the elite and the people as the lens through which to understand the other major features of his republicanism. Through analyzing his Discourses on Livy, Levy shows that Machiavelliâs principles can provide support for, and constructive criticism of, modern liberal democracy.
Trade ReviewDavid Levy’s Wily Elites and Spirited Peoples offers fresh insight into Machiavelli's singular conception of the few and the many, and the respective roles that elites and the people should play in the politics of republics. Levy manages to stay true to Machiavelli's writings and to draw insights from them for contemporary liberal democracy. -- John P. McCormick, Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Returning to Machiavelli Chapter 1: From Class Conflict, Liberty Chapter 2: War, Empire and Democracy Chapter 3: Corruption: Its Causes, Uses and Remedies Chapter 4: The Princely Republic Chapter 5: Conclusion Appendix: Machiavelli and the Question of Perennial Problems Bibliography
