A modern day example of Niccolo Machiavelli is Adolf Hitler. Hitler resembles Machiavelli because Hitler's demise came from his obsessive focus on war and controlling as much of the world that he could. I do not believe that it is better to be feared than loved. Any leader in history that ruled by fear was eventually brought  out of power by revolting citizens or government officials. If you are loved instead then the people will support you and not try to overthrow your power.