Peruvian Politics Echoes Machiavelli’s Concerns

Ricardo Lenín Alfredo Fallacarrillo analyzes Machiavelli’s work and applies it to contemporary Peru. He draws on the interpretation of Quentin Skinner, who positions Machiavelli within humanist and republican traditions. Skinner argues that Machiavelli’s “virtù” isn’t malice, but skillful adaptability needed for state stability and civic freedom.

Fallacarrillo observes a “crude atomism” in Peruvian politics, identifying widespread corruption where political space has become fragmented by corporate interests. Public institutions no longer safeguard freedom but serve as spoils for power groups lacking republican values. He contrasts this with Machiavelli’s description of Rome, where internal tensions were managed by institutions balancing different interests.

The author notes Peru lacks strong constitutional design, allowing parliament and the executive branch to ignore citizens and contribute to social decay. Without leaders demonstrating genuine “virtù” – prioritizing the state over personal gain – Peru drifts amidst modern crises. The piece concludes that Peru must renew its founding institutions to avoid collapse, mirroring Florence’s fate in 1512.