Chapter 13: The Use of Native Troops - Insights from Machiavelli's The Prince

🔍Auxilary troops, unlike mercenaries, are not inherently bad but can put the prince in debt or at the mercy of a foreign state's military force.

💡Caesar Borgia changed his troop composition from auxiliaries to mercenaries and then to native troops, improving his situation and earning loyalty.

⚖️Machiavelli suggests that France and Rome declined when their rulers abandoned citizen armies in favor of hired mercenary troops.

🛡️Using native troops is a manifestation of self-sufficiency and is considered stronger than an equal number of other types of troops.

🌍The strength of a principality is directly related to its self-sufficiency, and relying on native troops supports this concept.

What are auxilary troops?

—Auxilary troops are native troops from a foreign state that are called upon for assistance. Unlike mercenaries, they are not inherently bad but can create indebtedness.

Why did Caesar Borgia change his troop composition?

—Caesar Borgia changed his troop composition from auxiliaries to mercenaries and then to native troops to improve his situation and earn loyalty.

Why did France and Rome decline?

—France and Rome declined when their rulers abandoned citizen armies and relied on hired mercenary troops instead.

Why are native troops considered stronger?

—Native troops are considered stronger because they represent self-sufficiency and are more loyal to their own country.

How does using native troops strengthen a principality?

—Using native troops strengthens a principality by promoting self-sufficiency and ensuring a stronger military force.

00:09Chapter 13 of The Prince is called 'Auxilary Composite and Native Troops' and focuses on the use of native troops from a foreign state.

00:40Using auxilary troops puts the prince in debt or at the mercy of a foreign state's well-equipped and well-trained military force.

01:22Caesar Borgia changed his troop composition from auxiliaries to mercenaries and then to native troops, which strengthened his position and earned loyalty.

01:49France and Rome declined when their rulers abandoned citizen armies and relied on hired mercenary troops.

02:06Using native troops promotes self-sufficiency and is considered stronger than using other types of troops.