Machiavellianism
/ˌmækiəˈvɛliənɪzəm/ noun
Forms Machiavellianisms Machiavelianism Machiavellism
- noun (philosophy, politics) The political philosophy of Machiavelli, especially the realist doctrine which emphasizes the maintenance of the state above ethical concerns.
- noun (countable) A political maneuver that exemplifies the philosophy. Unsavory government politics.
- noun (personality psychology) A psychological construct centered on interpersonal manipulation, lack of empathy, cold affect, and indifference to morality.
Synonyms
realpolitik Machiavellism raison d'etat realism
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “Machiavellianism”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details