Machiavellian Perspective on the Development of Boot Camp Prisons: A Debate

The "Machiavellian" perspective argues that these programs may be reasonable means of addressing prison crowding and providing treatment to offenders. From this perspective, there is nothing wrong with the military model, particularly if it provides other benefits. The alternative view is that the Machiavellian perspective is wrong to presume that the public is single-mindedly punitive. By choosing to endorse the development of boot camp prisons, the Machiavellian perspective dismisses as idealistic the possibility of more constructive dialogue between policymakers and the public; consequently, it diminishes the prospect of developing more effective correctional programs. Doubt has additionally been cast on the ability of boot camp programs to reduce either recidivism or prison crowding. There is research to support each perspective. More information is needed about the impact of specific components of the boot camps and the expectations of the public and policymakers. 93 footnotes