Death Note : Machiavellian Analysis - Part I

Light's transformation from a high school student to a god-like figure wielding the Death Note illustrates the Machiavellian principle that leaders must not be constrained by conventional morality if they seek to maintain power and control. This mirrors Machiavelli's advice that a prince should not be good if it undermines his power.

Machiavelli posited that it is safer for a ruler to be feared than loved, as long as he does not become hated. Light embodies this principle by instilling fear globally among criminals and those who oppose him, ensuring compliance through the threat of death. However, he also seeks a form of admiration or love from the public as a benevolent god, navigating the delicate balance between fear and love.

Both Light and L, the detective trying to catch him, employ deception and manipulation, key Machiavellian tactics, to outmaneuver each other. Machiavelli advised that a wise ruler should be cunning like a fox, able to deceive both enemies and allies as necessary to maintain power.

"Death Note" extensively explores what it means to hold power, the responsibilities that come with it, and the corrupting nature of power—a central theme in Machiavelli’s work. Light's journey is a testament to Machiavelli's observation that power changes people, often leading them to commit acts they would have considered abhorrent before gaining power.

"Death Note" delves into the idea that the political (or in this case, the quest for a new world order) operates on a different moral plane. This is akin to Machiavelli's notion of realpolitik, where political necessity dictates actions that might be unethical in ordinary life.

As Light delves deeper into his role as Kira, the isolation he experiences mirrors the Machiavellian idea that a ruler often stands alone at the top. The loneliness of power and the sacrifices made for its sake are evident as Light distances himself from family, friends, and any form of genuine human connection.

Light's attempt to create a perfect world reflects Machiavelli's insights on the appearance of order and morality. Machiavelli believed that the appearance of virtue could be as effective as virtue itself in maintaining power and order. Light uses the Death Note to enforce a superficial order based on fear, not unlike a ruler might project an image of order to maintain control.

Machiavelli discussed the role of fortune in human affairs and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. Light's discovery of the Death Note is an instance of fortune that he must then navigate wisely to achieve his goals, embodying Machiavelli's ideal of the adaptable prince.

Both Light and L exhibit unpredictability in their strategies, keeping their adversaries constantly off-balance. This mirrors Machiavelli’s advice that unpredictability can be a valuable asset in maintaining power, as it keeps opponents and potential usurpers uncertain and reactive.