Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527) Niccolò Machiavelli (May 3, 1469—June 21, 1527) was an Italian political philosopher during the Renaissance. As a civil servant in Florence, Machiavelli became the key figure in realistic political theory, crucial to later studies in political science. His most famous book, Il Principe (The Prince), was a work intended to be an instruction book for rulers. Published after his death, the book advocated the theory that whatever was expedient was necessary—an early example of utilitarianism and realpolitik.

Machiavelli's theories were elaborated in the 20th century. Machiavelli was also the author of many "Discourses" on political life in the Roman Republic, Florence, and other states, in which he demonstrated mastery of other views. However, the adjective "Machiavellian" is seen by most experts to inaccurately represent him and his views, having come to describe narrow, self-interested behaviour pursued by interest groups. Along with Leonardo da Vinci, Niccolo Machiavelli is considered the ideal prototype of the Renaissance man. While this epithet may be more appropriate than describing Machiavelli as "Machiavellian," it may be fair to state that he possessed a "machiavellian intelligence."