Machiavellianism

Political doctrine of the Italian writer Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), who advises the use of bad faith when necessary to advance the policies of a state. His position is known for the maxim, “the ends justify the means.” The carrying out of diplomacy through cunning, duplicity and treachery is also regarded as M. Insofar as it concerns itself only with the utility of results, M. is considered a form of pragmatism.