The Prince

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli is a foundational political treatise written in 1513 and published posthumously in 1532. It is one of the most influential works on political power realpolitik and statecraft in Western history.The Prince is a pragmatic guide for political leaders on how to acquire maintain and consolidate power. Drawing on historical examples and Machiavelli’s own diplomatic experience in Renaissance Italy the book argues that rulers must often act immorally to preserve their state and authority. The end—political stability and control—justifies the means.