“It is not individual prosperity, but the general good that makes cities great; and certainly the general good is regarded nowhere but in republics… But the very reverse happens where there is a prince whose private interests are generally in opposition to those of the city, whilst the measures taken for the benefit of the city are seldom deemed advantageous by the prince. This state of things soon leads to a tyranny… And if fate should have it that the tyrant is enterprising, and by his courage and valor extends his dominions, it will never be for the benefit of the city, but only for his own.” (Machiavelli, Discourses on Livy)