Machiavelli's work, "The Prince", was written with the express purpose to ingratiate himself with the current ruling family, the Medicis. Religion plays a significant part in "The Prince". The reality that Machiavelli wrote about was that the church would play a significant role in a Prince's ability to maintain control and manage his country. Church and state were, then, one. To Machiavelli, the military is a necessary physical defense of the state. Dictators and totalitarianism finds their origin in The Prince. 5 pgs. Bibliography lists 1 source.
