Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was a Florentine diplomat, philosopher, historian, and author during the Italian Renaissance, widely regarded as the father of modern political philosophy and political science
. He served as a senior official in the Florentine Republic, particularly in diplomatic and military roles, from 1498 until 1512 when the Medici family returned to power and he was dismissed and briefly imprisoned
. Machiavelli is best known for his political treatise The Prince (written around 1513, published posthumously in 1532), which offers pragmatic advice to rulers on how to acquire and maintain power, often advocating for ruthless, cunning, and sometimes immoral tactics if politically necessary
. This work has made his name synonymous with political deceit and realpolitik, and it remains one of the most influential and controversial texts in political theory
. Besides The Prince , he wrote other important works such as Discourses on Livy , which contributed to ideas about republicanism, and The Art of War , a treatise on military strategy
. Machiavelli's writings marked a departure from idealistic views of politics by separating politics from ethics and focusing on practical realities of power and governance
. His influence extends through centuries, impacting Enlightenment thinkers and modern political science, and his name is often used to describe cunning and pragmatic political behavior
. He died in Florence in 1527, leaving a legacy as a foundational figure in political thought
