adjective
also: Classic Literature
Machiavellian
Cunning, manipulative, and willing to do whatever is necessary to retain power.
Origin
From Niccolรฒ Machiavelli's The Prince (1513), a candid manual on acquiring and keeping political power. Machiavelli's actual views were more nuanced than the adjective suggests, but the word stuck.
Modern usage
Said of operators in politics, business, and reality TV. Almost always pejorative.
Tags
power
manipulation