How to Write Term Papers
Sample: Who
Controls Various Countries in Europe
Appraisal of Current State
Who controls the various countries in Europe or what techniques of controlling
others are being adopted by the States? The answer lies in the back drop of
understanding the mass sentiment and widening of the great gap between an
enriched few and the increasing ratio of populations in Europe living below the
poverty level. It is against the existence of 18 million unemployed in the
European Union and the holding down of wages for those with jobs. It is against
the open assault on and destruction of the welfare state and its essential
cushions for the poorly paid, the elderly and children in poverty conditions
(Peoples Weekly World, Web page). The question arises that is it because of
willful policies made by the rich governments or due to political unrest in the
region. If it is willful, it is perhaps because of following the philosophy of
Machiavelli, to keep the people under control as he had suggested the rulers to
keep the people entangled in political unrest for prolonging their reign.
In European countries a mounting wave of opposition has developed against the
EU's Maastricht Treaty which was intended to centralize political, economic and
social structures, to introduce a single currency by the turn of the century.
The same has been got materialized with the introduction of EURO, and the
concentration of power rests with leading European countries like Germany and
France who are set to control the affairs. Preceding the victory of the left
parties in France and massive demonstrations Chirac Gaullist government
announced early elections. The masses express anger over Chirac’s move to call a
premature election, with the undisguised aim of getting his government
re-elected so that it could claim a mandate to facilitate his government to take
harsh decisions like increasing the taxes. The smart move of Chirac paid off,
exactly as had been predicted in the “Prince”. The harsh action of Kohl regime
of social democrats amongst deep leadership crises was also covered by Mr. Kohl
in similar fashion. Britain's Tony Blair, as exhibited in his frequent s
speeches to the socialist congress and other parliament members to seek support
on his anti terrorism campaign also depicts that when leaders have to perpetuate
their control over the others they must have been following the guideline given
by Machiavelli in his book “The Prince”. Whose main theme was that rulers should
retain absolute control of their territories, and they should use any means of
expediency to accomplish this end.
Limitations and Techniques Used to Maintain Control
`Following limitations and techniques were experienced by England, Germany,
Italy, Spain and France to perpetuate the control over others. The same has been
analyzed in the back drop of suggestions floated by Machiavelli in his book “The
Prince” and Utopia by Thomas More. The cases of individual countries have not
been taken into account for brevity sake. The general principles which implies
on all the countries in question have been discussed.
• Keep Plans Secret
Machiavelli recommends in the Art of War intervention to keep the intentions
hidden from the opponents so that you have a liberty of choice and decision
making. He states “No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed
from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.”. Scholars struggle over
interpreting Machiavelli's precise point but this indeed is a valid point to
implement your designs on others as no body knows today the hidden aspirations
of Tony Blair in supporting anti terrorist campaign or the motive of revised
European Union charter which gives some of the countries greater powers in the
name of establishing a "freedom of movement" within the European Union.
• Exploit Political Turmoil
Machiavelli's major work Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Levies
(1513-21), concerning "republics," defined the control by a politically active
citizenry through to fostering a spirit of patriotism and civic virtue among its
citizens a strengthening of republic by conflicts generated through open
political participation and debate. Germany’s Kohl and Chirac of France have
done the same by announcing before time elections for enabling themselves to
impose taxes on their working class. The political turmoil at times helps more
than eyes can meet.
• Respect Private Property.
Machiavelli who was a political philosopher and diplomat during the Renaissance,
and is most famous for his political treatise, The Prince (1513), that has
become a cornerstone of modern political philosophy. He has in that, offered a
monarchical ruler the advice to keep that ruler in power and recommended
policies based on discouraging mass political activism, and channeling subjects’
energies into private pursuits. Machiavelli tried to persuade the monarch that
he could best preserve his power by the judicious use of violence, by respecting
private property and the traditions of his subjects, and by promoting material
prosperity.
• Promote Violence.
Machiavelli was in the favors of promoting violence to perpetuate rule over
others. Some of the European countries practically followed this principle when
they directly involved themselves in Bosnian conflict took undue interest in
anti terrorism campaign. What they will achieve in the bargain? Some spillover
of violence or few demonstrations by masses, but that suits the followers of
Machiavelli. During the Renaissance Italy was also a scene of intense political
conflict involving the dominant city-states of Florence, Milan, Venice, and
Naples, plus the Papacy, France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire, when each
city attempted to protect itself by adopting the similar technique. The struggle
for control is on even today. They do it on one pretext or the other like many
European countries at Luxembourg, in 1985 signed a MOU to eliminate border
control between them, and establish a common visa policy or when in 1990 an
"Implementation Convention" was set up, centered around increased control over
the borders.
• Do Not Keep Promises.
Though it looks strange, but factually most of the rulers are following the same
technique, as they do not keep their promises after winning their election.
Machiavelli teachings were no different as he states in his book:“…since men are
a sorry lot and will not keep their promises to you, you likewise need not keep
yours to them” (Machiavelli 651). Furthermore, “ a prince never lacks legitimate
reasons to break his promises” when, “such an observance of faith would be to
his disadvantage; and when the reasons which made him promise are removed”
(651).
• Keep Your People Scared of You:
The best technique suggested by Machiavelli has been to keep the masses scared
of rulers, he characterizes men as being self-centered and not willing to act in
the best interest of the state,” and when it (danger) comes nearer to you they
turn away” (649). Machiavelli reinforces the Prince’s need to be feared by
stating: “…men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved
than one who makes himself feared…” (649).
• Keep Your People Busy and Suppressed.
Thomas More, in Utopia, gives an another philosophy when he describe the
institutions of Utopia (i.e., A day in Utopia, The household, Utopian Beliefs,
and Treatment of the dying) and states, “…a six-hour working day—three hours in
the morning, then lunch—then a two-hour break—then three more hours in the
afternoon, followed by supper” (More 633). More thought no body will have time
to rise against the state
• Who Controls the Others?
To find the main player out of England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France who
factually controls the others, we will have to analyze the idea of, European
unity that appeal to the hearts and minds of Europeans. But the reality is far
less inspiring. What is the cause of this malaise? Every country in its own
capacity is trying to put its own interests ahead of the common weal. This is
certainly true as Tony Blair has opted to go under the umbrella of USA but
factually she is making discreet move of controlling the affairs of Europe in
the guise of main ally of super power. He has taken the advantage of anti
terrorist campaign and the strict decision of George Bush in advancing his
schemes. Germany on other hand has tried to control the affairs by leading the
countries which have some reservations against the current campaign. This
discussion leads us to conclude that England as usual has an edge over other
countries in claiming the status of the country that is at present controlling
the others. Establishing a common vision above petty interests is of particular
importance in European defense. Security is no longer tied to the interests of
individual countries, as the Bosnian conflict demonstrates. The war there did
not impinge on the national interests of any one country. Nevertheless, the
passivity of the rest of Europe may have inflicted more damage to the common
interest than any other event in recent history. It was grievously mishandled
because it was not treated as an open-society issue.
It is for the people of Europe to decide exactly what kind of Europe they want.
The EU as it is fails to meet their needs and aspirations. But what is imperfect
can be improved. This is what open society is all about.
Works Cited
(Peoples Weekly World, Web page) retrieved from <pww@pww.org> (13 Nov, 2002)
@George Soros, London Times (5 Nov, 1997)
Machiavelli, Nicole. “The Prince.” Current Issues & Enduring Questions. Ed.
Sylvan and Hugo Bedau. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s, 1999
More, Thomas. “Utopia.” Current Issues & Enduring Questions. Ed. Sylvan and Hugo
Bedau. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin’s, 1999.
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