machiavellism
A politician's machiavellism was evident in his secret alliances and public deception.
- Noun:
- Political cunning and duplicity: "Machiavellism" refers to the political doctrine or practice characterized by cunning, deceit, and unscrupulous methods, especially in statecraft or organizational leadership. It is derived from the ideas attributed to Niccolò Machiavelli, particularly from his work The Prince, which advocates the use of any means—including manipulation and treachery—to maintain power and achieve one's ends.
- (The ruler used cunning and deceitful strategies to gain and hold authority.)
- (The practice of using underhanded tactics for personal or organizational advantage.)
"Machiavellism in modern politics": The application of Machiavellian principles in contemporary governance or business.
- The negotiation tactics exhibited clear machiavellism, with each side using manipulation to secure a better deal. (The strategies were based on deceit and self-interest rather than honesty.)
"To practice machiavellism": To engage in cunning and duplicitous behavior for strategic gain.
- He was accused of practicing machiavellism by feigning loyalty while secretly plotting against his superiors. (He employed deceptive methods to advance his own position.)
Machiavellian (adj): characterized by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith; relating to the principles of Machiavelli.
- Her machiavellian plan involved bribing officials to secure the contract. (The plan was unscrupulous and manipulative.)
Machiavellianism (n): a synonym for machiavellism; also used in psychology to describe a personality trait involving manipulativeness, cynicism, and a disregard for morality.
- Machiavellianism is one of the "Dark Triad" personality traits, along with narcissism and psychopathy. (A personality style focused on self-interest and exploitation.)
- Cunning: skill in achieving goals through deceit or evasion.
- Duplicity: deceitfulness; double-dealing.
- Realpolitik: politics based on practical and material factors, rather than on moral or ideological ones.
- Unscrupulousness: lack of moral principles; willingness to do dishonest or unethical things.
The ends justify the means: a phrase often associated with Machiavellism, meaning that any method, even if unethical, is acceptable if it achieves a desired outcome.
- He argued that machiavellism was necessary because the ends justify the means in times of crisis. (He believed that achieving a goal justified using any tactics, no matter how deceitful.)
To play a Machiavellian game: to act in a cunning and manipulative way.
- She was accused of playing a Machiavellian game to win the promotion. (She used deceit and strategy to outmaneuver colleagues.)