Machiavelli's recommendations sound as extreme today as they probably seemed centuries ago. When you sit down and think about all the recommendations Machiavelli gave the prince, everything from acting generous in public and being merciless in private to being and expert in the art of war, these ideas can be hard to accept . But for the most part these ideas are still used but today's world leaders.
             The art of war is just as important now as it was then. Think if we didn't have a well prepared army and police force, within a matter of weeks the US would be on the verge of destruction. Generosity is another major thing today's world leaders must keep it in good balance. From the looks of the nation's debit, the US might be doing something wrong. Just as the price said, "you must seem generous but not excessively or you risk losing your power which is the most important thing you have." Avoiding being despised and hated was a major issue with the prince as it is with today's leaders. If the people hate you, they will not support you, and in turn, you will have no power because the people who back you are what make you powerful.
             So when asking, do today's politicians follow most of Machiavelli's recommendations I would say yes. Even though the times are much different in many ways, the basic principle of how to lead a prosperous nation and maintain power still stays the same.
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