Military Strength: A Foundation of Stability

A ruler’s power depends heavily on the strength of their military forces, Machiavelli asserts. He argues that leaders must build and maintain strong armies composed of loyal, native soldiers rather than relying on mercenaries, who tend to be unreliable and self-interested. The military is the backbone of a state, protecting it from external threats and internal dissent. Machiavelli suggests that having a strong defense discourages foreign aggression and helps maintain internal order. A ruler without a capable military is vulnerable to both foreign conquest and domestic uprisings.