JOKOWI, PRABOWO, DAN MACHIAVELLI

Summary

The video script explores the concept of Machiavellianism in political leadership, particularly in the context of the 2019 Indonesian presidential election. Drawing from Niccolò Machiavelli's *The Prince*, the discussion highlights how political figures like Jokowi and Prabowo may employ Machiavellian tactics to gain power, emphasizing that achieving stability may justify immoral means. The script delves into the use of fear, manipulation, and the blurring of moral lines in contemporary politics. The key question raised is whether morality should still guide political decisions or if realism and pragmatism should take precedence when choosing a leader for the country's future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'Machiavellian' is often used to describe politicians with questionable morals, and Don MacDonald created a graphic novel called 'Machiavelli' to justify the idea of using any means to achieve political power.
• 😀 Niccolò Machiavelli, the author of 'The Prince', is admired for his insights into political power, especially his belief that leaders should be feared and respected rather than loved.
• 😀 Machiavelli’s ideas are often associated with pragmatic and morally ambiguous political strategies that focus on achieving stability, regardless of the means used.
• 😀 Notable politicians like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and even Barack Obama have been labeled as 'Machiavellian' due to their methods of maintaining power.
• 😀 Machiavelli’s influence comes from his background in diplomacy and politics in Renaissance Italy, where power struggles and invasions were common.
• 😀 In 'The Prince', Machiavelli suggests that a good leader doesn't need to be virtuous but should focus on securing and stabilizing their rule, even if it involves unethical actions.
• 😀 The concept of 'the end justifies the means' is central to Machiavelli's philosophy, where achieving the goal of political stability is considered more important than maintaining moral standards.
• 😀 In the context of the 2019 Indonesian presidential election, moral issues in politics played a prominent role, with candidates like Jokowi and Prabowo being accused of using questionable tactics to win support.
• 😀 Jokowi's shift from being a likable candidate to using harsh rhetoric and political tactics like the Perpu Ormas, which some saw as a Machiavellian move, reflects this pragmatic approach to power.
• 😀 Prabowo's strategy involved using fear and the notion of national destruction to mobilize political support, which is in line with Machiavelli's ideas about the use of fear to maintain control.
• 😀 Ultimately, the script argues that voters should move beyond comparing candidates in terms of who is more 'Machiavellian' and instead focus on choosing a leader who can genuinely improve the country, even if that means being realistic and pragmatic at times.

Q & A

What does the term 'Machiavellian' mean in the context of this script?

The term 'Machiavellian' refers to political strategies that prioritize power and stability over morality, often involving manipulative or ruthless tactics. It is named after Niccolò Machiavelli, whose work 'The Prince' argues that leaders should do whatever it takes to maintain control, even if it involves unethical actions.

Why does Don McDonald write a graphic novel about Machiavelli?

Don McDonald writes a graphic novel about Machiavelli to explore and justify the concept of Machiavellian tactics in political leadership. He admires Machiavelli's view that achieving power and maintaining stability sometimes requires actions that might be seen as immoral.

How does the script connect Machiavellian philosophy with modern political leaders?

The script connects Machiavellian philosophy with modern political leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Barack Obama by suggesting that their actions to secure power and stability often reflect Machiavellian tactics, where moral considerations are secondary to achieving political objectives.

What are some key principles of Machiavelli's philosophy as discussed in the script?

Key principles of Machiavelli's philosophy include the idea that a leader does not need to be loved but must be feared and respected, the belief that the end justifies the means, and the idea that leaders should prioritize the stability of the state over traditional moral values like justice, goodness, and honesty.

How does the script describe Jokowi's political strategy in the 2019 presidential election?

The script describes Jokowi as initially a popular, likable figure who later became more assertive and used harsher rhetoric, such as calling his opponents derogatory names. Jokowi's political strategy also included using legal tools, like the Perpu Ormas, to maintain power, which aligns with Machiavellian principles of prioritizing stability over democratic values.

What is the Perpu Ormas, and how is it connected to Machiavellian thought?

The Perpu Ormas (a government regulation replacing law) is mentioned in the script as an example of Jokowi using political power to strengthen his control. The use of such legal maneuvers is in line with Machiavellian thought, where a leader may take actions that undermine certain democratic freedoms to ensure the stability of their regime.

How does Prabowo's political approach reflect Machiavellian tactics?

Prabowo's political approach is described as using fear to mobilize support, which is a key Machiavellian tactic. Machiavelli argued that it is better for a leader to be feared than loved, and Prabowo's use of fear tactics in his campaigns aligns with this principle.

Does the script claim that Jokowi and Prabowo are definitely Machiavellian leaders?

No, the script does not claim that Jokowi and Prabowo are definitively Machiavellian. Instead, it explores how certain actions and strategies they employed in the 2019 election may reflect Machiavellian tactics, but it does not make a definitive judgment on their character.

What does the script suggest about the role of morality in modern politics?

The script suggests that while morality is important, leaders sometimes need to be realistic and pragmatic in their approach. It argues that the focus should shift from comparing candidates based on who is more Machiavellian or 'less evil,' and instead, voters should choose leaders who will work for the greater good.

How does the script suggest voters should approach the 2019 presidential election?

The script suggests that voters should move away from choosing candidates based on who appears less morally flawed or more Machiavellian. Instead, it encourages voters to choose leaders who will focus on improving the country for the greater good, even if that requires making tough and pragmatic decisions.