This course will examine the impact of political conflict in the Tuscany region of Italy during 15th and 16th centuries, roughly corresponding to the rise of the Medici family (1434) and the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527). This volatile period was a time of alternation in power between the Medici family and republican rule. (Machiavelli held both diplomatic and military posts during the latter type.) It was also a time of nearly continuous battles among the French, Spanish, and Austrians for control over the city-states of the northern Italy. Although Machiavelli never returned to government service after the Medici regained power in 1512, he was later accused of pro-Medici leanings. We will examine his writings in the context of the political world around him and discuss the impact of his philosophy of statecraft on modern politics. 

300-level Political Science course