Machiavelli's influence on Antonio Gramsci

This chapter explores the profound influence of Niccolò Machiavelli on Antonio Gramsci's political thought, particularly as articulated in his renowned Prison Notebooks. It argues that Gramsci's understanding of Machiavelli shapes not only his views on the role of the Communist Party in Italy-designated as "the Modern Prince"-but also permeates his broader theoretical framework concerning social class dynamics, the formation of the modern state, and the concepts of ideological and cultural hegemony. The analysis highlights Gramsci's relative neglect of political corruption in Machiavelli's writings, raising questions about Gramsci's commitment to democratic principles amid revolutionary processes. The chapter further contrasts the reputations of both thinkers: while Machiavelli is often associated with a negative legacy, Gramsci emerged in the post-World War II context as a celebrated theorist of the Italian humanist tradition. Gramsci's work evolved in response to the political turmoil of his time, including the rise of fascism in Italy, which ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment. The posthumous publication of his writings was influenced by his comrade Palmeiro Togliatti, framing Gramsci's legacy within a democratic and humanistic lens that resonated with Western Marxism and various academic fields. By acknowledging the similarities between the contexts of both theorists-each writing in reaction to significant political failures-this chapter elucidates how Gramsci creatively synthesized Machiavellian ideas with Marxist thought, contributing to a nuanced understanding of power and governance in modern society.