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.

---

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 • Apr. 7, 2024

"Sociopathy is very consistent with the dark tetrad of narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and sadism," explained Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, in an email to Salon.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2023

In an interview with the Africa Report website in 2020, former President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo, who was ousted by Sankara, described him as having "a share of cynicism and political Machiavellianism".

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2021

Traits such as “neuroticism and involvement in crimes” and “narcissism, Machiavellianism, or psychopathy” are “perceived as untrustworthy”.

From The Verge • Jan. 22, 2020

In this sphere Godefroid was soon outdone by the brutal Machiavellianism of some, or by the lavish prodigality of others; by the fortunes of ambitious capitalists, or by the wit and shrewdness of editors.

From The Brotherhood of Consolation by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott