Machiavellianism

American  

[mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uh-niz-uhm] / ˌmæk i əˈvɛl i əˌnɪz əm /

Rarely Machiavelianism

noun

1. a political theory advocating the principles of government analyzed in Machiavelli’s The Prince , in which political expediency is placed above morality, and craft and deceit are used to maintain the authority and carry out the policies of a ruler.

   In this and other countries, Machiavellianism currently dominates foreign policy.

2. behavior characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty.

   The dark side of social intelligence includes the impulsive, thrill-seeking, callous behavior of psychopaths and the deceitful and exploitative nature of Machiavellianism.

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Etymology

Origin of Machiavellianism

Machiavellian ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

Example Sentences

Set in a post-apocalyptic Outback, Broken Roads leans heavily into its “Moral Compass,” with options that reflect four different philosophies: utilitarianism, nihilism, Machiavellianism and humanism.

From Seattle Times

To that point, people who engage in "compulsive" internet use are more likely to exhibit the "Dark Triad" traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

From Salon

Machiavellianism is named after the Italian political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli.

From Salon

There is also the 'Dark Triad': Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy.

From BBC

Together with Machiavellianism and psychopathy, narcissism makes up one-third of the “Dark Triad,” personality patterns often linked to “a lack of niceness,” said W. Keith Campbell, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia.

From Washington Post