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 […]