What is "machiavellianism"

Machiavelism \Mach"i*a*vel*ism\, Machiavellianism \Mach`i*a*vel"lian*ism\, n. [Cf. F. machiav['e]lisme; It. machiavellismo.] The supposed principles of Machiavelli, or practice in conformity to them; political artifice, intended to favor arbitrary power.

Machiavellianism is "the employment of cunning and duplicity in statecraft or in general conduct". The word comes from the Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote Il Principe (The Prince), among other works.

In modern psychology, Machiavellianism is one of the dark triad personalities, characterized by a duplicitous interpersonal style, a cynical disregard for morality and a focus on self-interest and personal gain.