Machiavelli On Crime and Politics

In this previous post we had a synopsis with a list of several personalities that were used in the structure of the book and my corresponding projections of the key characteristics or thoughts that they demonstrate on leadership.

http://intas8n.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-return-of-machiavelli-politics-of.html

There are two of importance which fall under the category of crime but which must be separated on the role that crime plays in politics.

1. The use of political control using crime.
5. The use of political power through crime.

The first and fifth points are both about crime but need to be separated. The first involves the rise or creation of political space despite crime. As in the case of Scripture, the realization that poverty is always going to be part of life and the need therefore to live despite this ("the poor you will always have with you!"). The second refers to a marriage between crime and politics and the possible creation of counter cultures to exist alongside systems that are perceived as flawed.

In the former the politician taps into the need for security in his populace and promises to make the city safe for them as a result. While he seems genuine in his intentions, what varies is the degree of crime and the level at which the Judiciary can be utilized or manipulated to suit his needs. He controls the system while being a part of it. He has learned the language and the rhetoric that goes with governance.

The latter does the same except because he is not part of the system. He uses crime to manipulate the system and to extract monies in exchange for safety. Because his system is flawed he manages to create business which can be used to create parallel economies and which can keep loyalties within the system. As a result he can promise results and pull back his troops at the same time. Certain frustrations in some countries where guilty men are set free and examples of the latter where the politician is inseparable for a crime ridden system. A key characteristic of these systems is a rise in Mob Justice.

A police force has database and a list of felons and their finger prints. Once a crime is committed they simply access this database for possible culprits. Once in while, certain national needs will arise which will require certain citizens with certain 'skills' and the likelihood of pardons. The question whether rehabilitation really takes place and if change is really possible then arises.