Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political philosophy or approach: Machiavellianism is the doctrine, derived from the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli, that advocates for the use of cunning, deceit, and unscrupulous methods in politics to gain and maintain power. It prioritizes practical effectiveness and the ends justifying the means over ethical considerations.

Usage

• Machiavellianism is used as an uncountable noun to describe a general philosophy or set of tactics.
• It is often used in political science, history, ethics, and psychology to critique or analyze behavior focused on manipulation and power.

Examples

• The historian argued that the king's reign was a classic study in Machiavellianism, where alliances were formed and broken based solely on expediency.
• Critics accused the CEO of corporate Machiavellianism for his ruthless tactics to eliminate competitors.
• In the novel, the villain's Machiavellianism is evident in his elaborate schemes to control the government from behind the scenes.

Advanced Usage

• Psychological Machiavellianism: In modern psychology, Machiavellianism is one of the three traits in the "Dark Triad" of personality, describing a manipulative, cynical, and unemotional interpersonal style focused on self-interest and deception.
  • His high score on the Machiavellianism scale suggested a tendency to manipulate others for personal gain.

Variants and Related Words

• Machiavellian (adjective): Characterized by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith; of or relating to Machiavellianism.
  • She was known for her Machiavellian plots to advance her career.
• Machiavellian (noun): A person who practices Machiavellianism.
  • The political advisor was a true Machiavellian, always plotting the next move.

Synonyms

• Cunning: Skill in achieving one's ends by deceit.
• Duplicity: Deceitfulness; double-dealing.
• Realpolitik: Politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives.
• Opportunism: The taking of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle.

Antonyms

• Idealism: The practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.
• Scrupulousness: The quality of being very careful to do things properly and correctly.
• Naivety: Lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• The ends justify the means: A phrase often associated with Machiavellianism, meaning that a desired outcome is so important that any method of achieving it is acceptable.
  • His philosophy was pure "the ends justify the means," a clear sign of his Machiavellianism.

Noun

1. the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and maintain his autocratic government