Machiavellianism

[ mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uh-niz-uhm ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Machiavellianism¹

Machiavellian ( def ) + -ism ( def )