Braz. political sci. rev.2025;19(2):e0004.

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Machiavelli against Imperialism: a Critique of Roman Expansionism and a Call for a Confederative Solution

Ricardo Silva

DOI: 10.1590/1981-3821202500020004

Machiavelli’s republicanism is grounded on two primary aspirations: the preservation of freedom within republics and the expansion of their territories. However, these goals are not indefinitely compatible, as an imperialist foreign policy ultimately undermines a free way of life. An influential understanding of Machiavelli’s ‘republican dilemma’ suggests that he unequivocally prioritized imperial expansion over preserving freedom when these ends collided. This interpretation points to Machiavelli’s endorsement of the Roman model, which sacrificed its own freedom to expand its dominion over other peoples, as evidence of such a preference. This article challenges the notion of Machiavelli’s imperialist intent, arguing that this interpretation not only overlooks Machiavelli’s critique of Roman imperialism but also ignores a non-imperialist alternative to territorial expansion presented in the ‘Discorsi’: the formation of leagues or confederations of free states for mutual defense. The league-based model of territorial expansion is the only approach that can effectively update Machiavelli’s international thought, aligning best with the contemporary republican ideal of freedom as non-domination.