Part 5/8:
As problematic as mercenaries, Machiavelli considered allied forces equally dangerous. Allies, motivated by ulterior motives and not necessarily by loyalty to the state, can pose significant risks. He noted how historical alliances might lead to betrayal or invasion, citing the Byzantine Emperor’s ill-fated alliance with Turkish forces that ultimately led to the enslavement of Greece.
Machiavelli's concerns reflect a broader strategic analysis: a reliance on external forces erodes a ruler’s authority and jeopardizes national security. This perspective echoes throughout history, appearing in various forms in different civilizations, as they faced the consequences of outsourcing military responsibilities.