The Art of War

Main Ideas

• The necessity of a professional army: Machiavelli stresses the importance of creating and maintaining a professional army composed of citizens rather than mercenaries.
• The role of discipline and training: The author highlights the importance of strict discipline and constant training of soldiers to achieve success in military actions.
• The significance of tactics and strategy: Machiavelli explores various tactical and strategic approaches that can be used in battle, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptation to changing conditions.
• The use of fortifications: The book discusses the importance of fortifications for the defense of cities and territories, as well as methods for their effective use.
• Psychological aspects of war: Machiavelli pays attention to the morale of troops, soldier motivation, and the influence of leaders on the army's fighting spirit.
• Political and social aspects of warfare: The author examines the relationship between military power and the political stability of the state, as well as the role of military leaders in governing the country.