In "The Prince," what does Machiavelli emphasize as necessary for rulers?

In "The Prince," Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of unity and strength for rulers, encouraging them to maintain a stable and cohesive state. He argues that a leader should focus on consolidating power, controlling the political landscape, and ensuring loyalty among their subjects.

Machiavelli famously posits that the ends often justify the means in the context of governance, which means that maintaining power and securing the state may require actions that would traditionally be viewed as immoral or unethical. This pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approach underscores the necessity for rulers to cultivate strength, whether through the use of military force, strategic alliances, or manipulation of political rivals.

Unity is critical because a divided state is vulnerable to internal strife and external threats; thus, a ruler must actively work to engender loyalty and suppress dissent. The themes of stability and strength are central to Machiavelli's political philosophy, illustrating how these qualities contribute to effective governance and the survival of the state.