Princedoms should be measured by whether a prince can stand alone—fielding an army with his own men … — Niccolò Machiavelli

Princedoms should be measured by whether a prince can stand alone—fielding an army with his own men and money—or must rely on others and retreat behind walls.

By Niccolò Machiavelli, from The Prince

Key Arguments

He defines self-sufficient princes as those who can "get together an army fit to take the field against any assailant."
He defines dependent princes as those who "cannot take the field against their enemies, but are obliged to retire behind their walls, and to defend themselves there."
The analytical criterion focuses on a prince’s independent capacity in men and money, not abstract titles or claims.

Source Quotes

In examining the character of these Princedoms, another circumstance has to be considered, namely, whether the Prince is strong enough, if occasion demands, to stand alone, or whether he needs continual help from others. To make the matter clearer, I pronounce those to be able to stand alone who, with the men and money at their disposal, can get together an army fit to take the field against any assailant; and, conversely, I judge those to be in constant need of help who cannot take the field against their enemies, but are obliged to retire behind their walls, and to defend themselves there.

In examining the character of these Princedoms, another circumstance has to be considered, namely, whether the Prince is strong enough, if occasion demands, to stand alone, or whether he needs continual help from others. To make the matter clearer, I pronounce those to be able to stand alone who, with the men and money at their disposal, can get together an army fit to take the field against any assailant; and, conversely, I judge those to be in constant need of help who cannot take the field against their enemies, but are obliged to retire behind their walls, and to defend themselves there. Of the former I have already spoken, and shall speak again as occasion may require.

Key Concepts

whether the Prince is strong enough, if occasion demands, to stand alone, or whether he needs continual help from others.
those to be able to stand alone who, with the men and money at their disposal, can get together an army fit to take the field against any assailant
those to be in constant need of help who cannot take the field against their enemies, but are obliged to retire behind their walls, and to defend themselves there.

Context

Chapter 10 (lines 671-707), opening distinction and operational definition of princely strength.