Abstract
In "Machiavelli and the Constraining of Confl ict", author returns to the main topic of Machiavellian republicanism: the regulation of political conflicts so that, instead of posing a threat, they might be beneficial to the republic. Here, Machiavelli is presented primarily as a theorist and defender of the imperial republic, whose model is ancient Rome.
Author points out that social conflict need not always be a pre-condition for liberty and a source of strength as it was in Rome, but that it may also lead to weakness and lack of freedom as in Florence. Laššuth's interpretation focuses on Machiavelli's main recommendations for preventing conflict from becoming destructive.
One by one, he analyses the "instruments" that Machiavelli mentions in this regard: religion, public accusation, the offi ce of dictator, and an organized military. The text pays special attention to the question of civil religion as discussed by other republican philosophers such as Rousseau and the young Hegel.