Power and Politics in Ancient India and Renaissance Italy: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This article compares and contrasts the perspectives on politics and power held by Kautilya, an influential philosopher from ancient India, and Niccol Machiavelli, an influential philosopher from the Renaissance era in Italy. The article compares and contrasts Kautilya's Arthashastra and Machiavelli's The Prince in their approaches to gaining and retaining power by examining the basic ideas of Realism in political philosophy. The paper concludes that despite the fact that both philosophers held Realist views on politics and power, there were significant discrepancies between their perspectives on the importance of morality and the use of force. Furthermore covered are the consequences of these parallels and divergences for modern political theory. The article's conclusion suggests directions for more research.