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 )

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

So-called conservative views are highly correlated with what psychologists describe as the “dark triad” of personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism.

From Salon

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

In his capacity as political cult leader, Trump exemplifies what psychologists describe as "the dark triad" of human behavior: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

From Salon