Machiavellianism

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The political philosophy of Machiavelli, especially the realist doctrine which emphasizes the maintenance of the state above ethical concerns. countable, uncountable

    ""Machiavellianism is a radical type of political realism that is applied to both domestic and international affairs.""

  2. 2
    the political doctrine of Machiavelli: any means (however unscrupulous) can be used by a ruler in order to create and maintain their autocratic government wordnet
  3. 3
    A political maneuver that exemplifies the philosophy. Unsavory government politics. countable
  4. 4
    A psychological construct centered on interpersonal manipulation, lack of empathy, cold affect, and indifference to morality. countable, uncountable

    "Machiavellianism refers to interpersonal strategies that advocate self-interest, deception, and manipulation, so it would seem inherently related to core psychopathy and narcissism."

Etymology

From Machiavellian + -ism.

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