Abstract
McCormick offers an analysis of the first six chapters of Discourses, and suggests that it be read from a democratic standpoint with a view towards populism, which understands politics in terms of conflict. McCormick interprets them from the perspective of the young grandi.
He tries to convince them that they should adopt the Roman model, i.e., that they should limit their ambitions and allow the people to participate in government. At the same time, he reminds them of the greatness and fame of Rome,and suggests that they give preference to Roman greatness before thearistocratic rigidity.
In exchange, however, they will have to allow the people to participate in government. Only in this way will the people adopt the idea of a republic in order to satisfy the ambitions of the grandi.
In conclusion, McCormick reveals that he feels a closer affinity to the neo-Athenian interpretation of democracy. Athens was a populist republic that matched to avoid the disadvantages of external expansion.