The Themes Of Machiavellianism: The Father Of Power

“Machiavelli meets magic” is an apt description for the popular Game of thrones television and book series created by George R.R. Martin. This historical fiction is an amalgamation of the fantasy medieval setting mixed with the political realism that we find in modern times. The complex web of birthright, social protocol and patronage parallels the modern political arena more than the simplistic good versus evil story arc we tend to read in fantasy novels. In this world where playing politics is as lethal as war, Machiavellianism is the order of the day.

Niccolo Machiavelli is often called the father of political theory due to his instruction of political realism and instrumental power. The Prince was written to help the Medici’s succeed in

R. Martin’s book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, visits a fictional society that is a combination of elements found in the Enlightenment era and medieval England. The narrative takes place in Westeros, a continent country ruled by feudalism and headed by a paternal monarchy. The series follows a cast of characters struggling to find political balance in the aftermath of a civil war that displaces the hereditary monarchy that had been in power for almost 280 years. Themes of Machiavellianism are seen in the wake of the power vacuum as individuals seek political appointment and favor in various ways. Every character in the series fits different aspects of Machiavelli’s idea of an ideal ruler and the closest representations of his New Prince are Aerys Targaryen, Robert Baratheon, and Tywin Lannister. Outlining their political agendas and claims to power will demonstrate how Westeros is steeped in

Machiavelli states clearly “it is much easier to hold onto hereditary states . . . if he is of no more than normal resourcefulness”. King Aerys starts his reign with promise, proving to be active in rebuilding his country’s economy, military and political integrity. Following close to what Machiavelli describes, King Aerys should encounter little difficulty retaining his power. As his reign progressed, Aerys’ mental health declined significantly turning this ambitious and charismatic leader into a mistrusting, miserly, and suspicious King with paranoia that bordered on the pathological. The brilliance of Machiavelli’s works admits that an “extraordinary and overwhelming force” or “exceptional vices that make him hateful” are realistically the surest ways for a hereditary principality to lose authority. As his mental state progressively worsened, the opposition to his legitimacy grew to the point of full-blown rebellion. King Aerys’ rise and fall to power follows closely to Machiavelli’s description of hereditary reigns in The Prince and sets the stage for the ascension of the next