Political philosophy and decentralisation

The Italian political philosopher and political scientist of the Renaissance, Niccolò Machiavelli, did not explicitly use the modern term "decentralisation," but his writings often touched upon themes related to it.

In his works, particularly in The Prince and Discourses on Livy, Machiavelli addresses the nature of power, governance, and the need for a balance between central and local control.

His views can be understood in the broader context of his philosophy on how to maintain political stability, avoid chaos, and ensure the external security of the state.

Here are some key points in Machiavelli’s thought on decentralisation:

Republican Government and Decentralisation

In Discourses on Livy, Machiavelli examines the nature of republican government, using Ancient Rome as a model.

He acknowledges the advantages of a more decentralis

ed political structure, where power is distributed among various branches of authority, such as the Senate, the people, and magistrates.

This decentralised form of governance aimed to prevent any single faction or group of individuals from becoming too powerful, thus maintaining balance and protecting the republic from tyranny.

This is summarized in the following idea from the same work:

“The Roman Republic was great because of the division of power and the freedom given to its citizens.”

Machiavelli valued decentralisation in republican systems because it allowed for the mechanisms of checks and balances to function, preventing any ruler or group from gaining too much influence.

However, he also warned that such a system could become ineffective or unstable if factions or groups, which are capable of forming into separate power bases, become too fragmented, or if a strong ruler/leader cannot rise to unite them when necessary.

Balance of Power

Machiavelli’s ideas offer a pragmatic/realistic approach to decentralisation, where local leaders or governments (communities) can hold power, but only as long as they do not threaten the stability or unity of the greater state. He believed that power should be distributed in such a way that no one group becomes too powerful without sacrificing the overall strength and cohesion of the state.

Warning Against Excessive Decentralisation

While Machiavelli acknowledged the positive aspects of decentralised systems in republics, he also cautioned against excessive decentralisation, particularly in monarchies. He feared that granting too much autonomy and independence to local rulers (community leaders) or factions could lead to instability, conflict, or fragmentation.

In The Prince, he emphasizes that the ruler must carefully balance decentralisation, ensuring central authority is maintained.

For Machiavelli, decentralisation is not inherently negative or positive; rather, its value depends on the political context. He saw value in decentralisation within republics as a means to promote balance and prevent tyranny. However, in times of crisis or in monarchies, he firmly advocated for more centralized power to maintain internal political stability.

Machiavelli’s Approach to Decentralisation

Machiavelli’s approach to decentralisation is clear: the distribution of power must serve the overall goal of preserving the state.

His thoughts provide a comprehensive view of how decentralisation can be applied in different political contexts and forms of governance—whether in republics or monarchies. These approaches involve the strategic use of decentralised power, balancing both risks and benefits, in order to strengthen and solidify the ruler's/leader's influence over the state. Here’s how Machiavellian principles might be applied to decentralisation:

• The ruler/governor can decentralise decision-making on less important matters or in areas far from the center of power. This might include delegating authority to local officials or communities while maintaining control over critical sectors such as the military, foreign policy, and taxation.
• The autonomy given to local governments (self-governance bodies) should be limited, ensuring that local leaders remain loyal and do not pose a threat to central power.

For example, the ruler might grant local magistrates or community leaders significant power over regional governance and economic matters but retain the ability to annul their decisions in critical areas such as military issues, taxation, or alliances.

According to Niccolò Machiavelli, decentralisation can be a tool for managing internal threats by balancing rival factions. From this perspective, the Italian political theorist believed that decentralisation could extend to local military forces, although their loyalty would need to be ensured. Rulers could allow local regions (communities) or factions to maintain their armed forces as long as those forces remain under the direct influence or control of the central government.

By decentralising military power as well, the ruler could reduce potential threats while ensuring that these local forces remain loyal to the center, often through systems of incentives or control mechanisms.

Continuing this idea, Machiavelli argued that the ruler could allow local lords or provinces (regions, communities) to maintain their militias or defenses but require regular reports to the central government and military support when needed.

While decentralisation can be beneficial, the ruler must always reserve the right to centralise power during times of instability. This means that decentralisation should be viewed as a temporary or, more accurately, a tactical tool, which can always be adjusted/revised according to the state’s needs and priorities.

If a local leader becomes too powerful, or if a rebellion arises, the ruler can use military force, political maneuvering, or legal measures to reassert central control.

Machiavelli’s approach to decentralisation is strategic, aimed at balancing the benefits of local autonomy, freedom, and self-governance with central authority.

Thus, the great thinker’s views are not purely advocacy for decentralisation (decentralisation) or centralisation (centralisation) but rather the strategic use of both levers to guarantee both the ruler’s power and the state’s security.

Original English sources: https://library.fiveable.me/political-philosophy/unit-4/machiavellis-realist-approach-politics-power/study-guide/JjdynhB0ghk1UIa0

https://archive.mu.ac.in/myweb_test/TYBA%20study%20material/Politicals%20Sci.%20-%20V.pdf