How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
It's worth noting that Egypt is a unique case; it is similar to the papal state, which can't be classified as a hereditary monarchy or as a new monarchy. When the old ruler dies he is not replaced by one of his children, but a new leader is elected by a body vested with this authority. Since the state's institutions are well established, this can hardly be compared with a situation where a new ruler seizes a state, and in fact a pope or Egyptian sultan faces none of the difficulties that a new ruler usually faces, because although he may be new to power the institutions are old and set up to work on his behalf as if he were a hereditary king. (19.22)
Since popes and Egyptian rulers are so different from monarchs, do Machiavelli's rules still apply to them? Does being a religious leader change your strategy?