ABSTRACT
FOREIGN AFFAIRS are central to Machiavelli's political thought. Here, the human condition shows itself most clearly as a struggle for domination which cannot be escaped; here, the best regime—the Roman-style republic—gains greatness, empire, and treasure; here, his critique of ancient philosophy takes root, namely, that cities ordered for virtue will learn their ruin at the hands of states organized for war. Accordingly, the works of his foremost interpreters contain discussions of such themes as the republican quest for empire and glory, the necessity of protecting civil society by military orders, and the militia's superiority over mercenaries. 1 Further, we find a few essays on Machiavelli's conception of the balance of power, 2 deterrence, 3 and his contemporary relevance. 4 Yet, there seemingly has been no study that integrates Machiavelli's propositions into a coherent whole, that is, a general theory of foreign politics.
