Florentine Pasta and Ukrainian Borscht: Machiavelli is Back

Summary

Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance political theorist and write, famously known for advocating the art of cunning and duplicity in his treatise “The Prince”, has decided to time travel. His destination? Kyiv, 2023. His mission? To offer unsolicited advice to Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the David vs. Goliath struggle against Vladimir Putin’s Russian behemoth.

Scene: Machiavelli, resplendent in his Florentine robes, sitting across from Zelenskyy, a former comedian turned war-time President, in a bunker deep beneath the streets of Kyiv. The setting alone would make for a great sitcom episode, but let’s focus on the advice.

Machiavelli’s First Lesson:
The Art of Being Feared and Loved “Volodymyr, my dear Slavic boy,” Machiavelli might begin, “remember this, it is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” But then, perhaps catching himself, he would add, “However, in your case, strive for both. The world loves a charismatic underdog, and your improvisational and stand-up comedy skills? A golden touch for winning hearts. But do not forget to instill a hint of fear. Keep Putin guessing and on the back foot.”

Second Lesson:
The Power of Alliances Machiavelli, a realist at heart, would stress the importance of alliances. “Align with the powerful, play the European Union and NATO like a well-tuned violin. Keep your friends close, your enemies closer, and those who can’t decide – closest.”

Third Lesson:
Image is Everything Machiavelli, who understood the power of public perception, would undoubtedly have a thing or two to say about Zelenskyy’s media strategy. “Like Churchill’s cigar, your green T-shirt has become iconic -- a symbol of resilience. Continue to appear relatable, yet presidential. Control your narrative, for he who controls the story, controls the war.”

Fourth Lesson:
The Element of Surprise Knowing Putin’s KGB background, Machiavelli would suggest unpredictability. “Change tactics frequently, Volodymyr. Keep the Russian bear on its toes. Use your acting skills to feign, deceive, and surprise. In war, as in theater, the element of surprise can bring the house down.”

Fifth Lesson:
Economy and Resource Management “Economy wins wars, Volodymyr. Manage your resources wisely. Channel your inner miser when needed, but be a spendthrift with international aid. And remember, corruption is a luxury you cannot afford.”

Sixth Lesson:
The End Justifies the Means In true Machiavellian style, he would remind Zelenskyy, “In the pursuit of victory, morality is flexible. The end justifies the means. But, tread carefully, for history is a fickle writer.”

As their meeting concludes, Machiavelli would stand up, his Renaissance garb looking slightly out of place in the modern bunker, and leave Zelenskyy with one final thought. “Volodymyr, my advice is as old as the hills and as fresh as tomorrow’s headlines. But remember, in the end, it is your war, your country, and your people. Find and make your own path to freedom.”

With a puff of smoke and a whiff of brimstone (for dramatic effect, of course), Machiavelli would vanish back into the annals of history, leaving behind a bewildered yet determined Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian President would then turn to his advisors, shrug in the way Eastern European do, and say, “Well, that was surreal. Now, back to the work. And excuse me while I make a few phone calls.”

In the real world, where the stakes are life and death, Zelenskyy continues to navigate the treacherous waters of international politics, armed with his own brand of courage and resilience.
And as for Machiavelli? He’s off to his next time-traveling advisory meeting. Rumor has it, his next client is a certain North Korean leader. But that’s a story for another blog post.