Etude comparative des oeuvres politiques d’Alain Chartier et de Nicolas Machiavel [thesis]

The political writings of Alain Chartier, who was the secretary and emissary of France’s Chartes V it during the fîrst part of the fîfteenth century, are compared with those of NiccoIô Machiavelli, who was active, also as secretary and emissary, in the govemment of Florence from 1498 to 1512. Though Chartier's style and methods of political discourse differ, sometimes substantiaEy, from those of Machiavelli, the two authors share several common i ideas about the running of a State. Foremost among these ideas is the conviction that the prince should have at least a basic knowledge of recent and ancient history, so as to enable the ruler to base political décisions upon the proven experience of others.
The prince, in order to implement lasting laws and institutions, should also be an astute observer of human nature. As for the militia, it should be fully dedicated to the service of the State, preferably made up of native citizens whose natural love for their country, coupled with strict müîtary discipline and organization, would make them the State’s best defenders. The authors equally agree on the need for a religion serving the needs of the State. Religious discourse should be used by the prince both to strengthen the soldier's résolve to faithfully defend his homeland and to provîde an organized moral framework.