Machiavelli (1469-1527):
He emerged in Florence, Italy, five hundred years ago. The modern era began with his thought and philosophy, replacing the monarchy with the modern nation-state and nationalism.
His advice united the great nations of Europe. He was at the forefront of political modernization during the Enlightenment based on the Renaissance and Reformation. For example, in the field of art and culture, there were Raphael, Michelangelo, etc. Considering all aspects, he is called the father of modern state philosophy and thought.
He is Niccolo Machiavelli:
In modern politics, he gave the mantra of winning through cunning tactics, strength, courage, and ruthlessness. In which he also advised the rulers to do everything morally and immorally to achieve their own interests. His policy, full of duplicity and self-interest, is called 'Machiavellianism'. The doctrine that is revealed in his famous book 'The Prince'.
The book advised the newly crowned princes, 'Be strong as a lion and cunning as a fox. Destroy not only your true enemies, but also their family members, so that you can rule without fear.' Many other such advice on state management and politics are spread across the pages of the book written five hundred years ago, which is equally relevant in the political arena today. Although Machiavelli's theory in politics is very old, it is still used by many in corrupt politics. However, they are mostly despised in society.
There will be strategies in partisan politics. But bad strategies are not desirable in any way, they cannot be. If the path to the democratic rights of the people is or continues to be narrowed, then all kinds of dangers are bound to appear. If politics is the king of policies, then it is definitely necessary to keep or take into account many things related to it.
If policy is sacrificed, there is no politics. And anyway, people of this nature cannot remain in the political arena for very long. In this society, those who borrow Machiavellianism theory and practice politics are like cunning foxes with their tails cut off. Even if they are literally successful, they are completely condemned by the people. Politics, which has the mentality of smearing others to clear its own tarnished reputation, has now become dull.
The politics of making money has blinded many. Otherwise, how do political appointees become the owners of huge amounts of money through casino games? Sheikh Hasina's cleanliness drive has also stalled now. If you don't know the reason behind this, you can guess. In casino games, the names of those who are known as people with a clean image in politics have also come up. In the third consecutive term, a section of party people in the ruling Awami League have considered it as a golden time to make money. In the meantime, the distance between the ruling party and the general public has increased a lot.
Those who are running like mad horses after money have forgotten that at some point in time, the politics of votes will have to go to the people. Those who think that the elections of January 5, 2014 or December 30, 2018 will continue in the future are fools. The Awami League must come out of this thinking very soon. Otherwise, only time will tell where the politics of the Awami League will end up.
Md. Ali Hossain
Journalist and writer
Member: Pradipta Writers Forum
