Machiavelli’s political theory may be viewed as immoral and unethical by some, but it is a theory that works within a corrupt environment. The era during which Niccolo Machiavelli lived was a time of turmoil, civil unrest and a time when the power of leaders was often in jeopardy. Absolute monarchy was becoming the popular form of rule during Machiavelli’s lifetime and this form of power was largely acquired through force. These developments made Machiavelli consider the nature of power and how best to maintain it in a newly formed or acquired state. This consideration lead him to formulate theories of maintaining power that involve force, coercion, and the underlying principle that the ends justify the means. Morality and ethics are situational to Machiavelli, and they always take a secondary position of importance to maintaining power and control over corrupt human nature. The end of Machiavelli’s theory is civil unity and the only sin is being unaware of how to bring about such an order. Often the only way to achieve this civil unity amid the chaos and corruption of human nature is force and force means war in Machiavelli. To Machiavelli, the chief tool of diplomacy is war. Yet, Machiavelli’s political theory is highly indifferent to the fate of the common man. The means are justified by the ends of the leader and might makes right. The true powerful leader is one who has a versatile mind, is able to adapt readily to changes in the social and political landscape, and he is one who will strive for the good but immediately resort to evil if the situation demands it. In his chief aim of winning and controlling power, the true leader must not consider the impact of his actions on the vulgar masses (i.e., the common man): “A prince should then look mainly to winning, and to the successful maintenance of his state. The means which he employs for this will always be accounted honorable, and will be praised by everybo...