The Machiavellian Dictionary

The following list illustrates the curious phenomenon of a single concept assuming different verbal forms depending on the context to which it is applied - in this case that of the private sphere on the one hand and the state sphere on the other hand.


Private realm | State realm
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Anarchy | International relations
Animal spirits | Rational policy-making
Assault | Intervention
Blackmail | Deterrence
Coercive monopoly | Exclusive authority
Collusion | Bipartisanship
Consumerism | Fiscal activism
Counterfeiting of money | Liquidity provision
Cronyism | Public–private partnership
Debasement of money | Quantitative easing
Dissipation of assets | National debt default
Envious resentment | Passion for social justice
Expropriation | Eminent domain
Favouritism | Affirmative action
Fencing | Redistribution
Financial fraud | Creative accounting
Financial prudence | Choking aggregate demand
Frugality | Austerity
Gang war | Politics
Herding | Collective action
Hidden unemployment | Public works
Indoctrination | Public education
Intimidation | Reprimand
Kidnapping | Conscription
Murder | Death penalty
Mob law | Positive legislation
Mob rule | Democracy
Molestation | Security control
Monopolization | Coalition building
Money laundering | Foreign aid
Obstruction | Regulation
Parasite | Benefit recipient
Pillage brokering | Political campaigning
Ponzi scheme | Social security
Profit-seeking | Public service
Profligacy | Stimulus spending
Protection racket | National defense
Robber baron | Party donor
Ruthlessness | Resoluteness
Scam artist | Politician
Selfish desire | Public necessity
Self-partiality | Judicial independence
Self-serving rationalization | Public interest
Slavery | Political obligation
Special privilege | Protection
Stockholm syndrome | Civil allegiance
Terrorist organization | Intelligence agency
Theft | Taxation
Transgression | Emergency measure
Venality | Pragmatism