Issue 359 Loved Then Feared June 17, 2014

 Niccolo Machiavelli posed a question in his work known as The Prince.  That question was "is it better to be loved then feared, or feared then loved?"  Of course I'm paraphrasing a little bit here, but you get the idea.  In the case of this issue I will be focusing on the loved then feared component.  So let us analyze if it is better to be Loved then Feared?

The Love:  The advantage to this is that your people, whether it is in an organization or government, adore you for a time.  You lavish them with what they need and thus by making them love you more, they will do more to get more of you.  Essentially, this is a bribe. In order to perpetuate the love, more and more must be given.  Those on the receiving end will be insatiable and continue to want more even after you have nothing left to give.

The Fear:  After you begin to run short on resources and things to give, you will be forced to make those who receive your "gifts" fear you.  The purpose of this is so that they do not betray you.  Why would they betray you even when you give them so much?  Simple, these people who follow you follow for the benefits, not because they are loyal.  Thus, if someone comes offering greater rewards to them, they will follow the other person in their own selfishness.  Thus, the fear component.  Here, if any of these "followers" dissatisfy you, then you must make sure it is immediately known and punish them in some shape or form.  This could mean denying privileges or access to you (their money tree if you will).  This keeps them from getting out of line.  As such, a psychological battle will be constantly waged in order to maintain control over these individuals. Likewise, it is the same for a local populace.  One must control them in this scenario or they will rebel once the free ride is over.  

Modern Day:  This idea plays out in American politics where both the Republicans and Democrats promise people and businesses certain benefits to garner their support.  Typically, the Republicans play up to the business owners and those industries under attack by Democratic supporters due to ideals of the environment and other causes.  Democrats play to the race, ethnic and economically less well-off groups by promising them more benefits.  Of course this will fail on both sides as they will run out of money to give these people (as we can plainly see based on Americas' national debt).  They fear imparting fear by cutting these individuals and groups off less they lose their support.  This same token is why Machiavelli said this was the least favorable option, as those not satisfied or denied their "presents" will rebel.

Conclusion:  Loved then feared is a dangerous game.  It risks disloyalty, treachery, and even open rebellion.  The leaders’ reaction is to clamp down on the populace or your circle of "allies" through some form of force and control makes you more akin to a tyrant than a leader.  In the end, it will result in the pain and suffering of either the leader, or a people ready to rebel at the first available opportunity.