Machiavellian tactics
Cunning political maneuvering
Machiavellian tactics are cunning, manipulative strategies that prioritize gaining or maintaining power over ethical considerations.
The term derives from Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance political theorist who argued that rulers should use deception and ruthlessness when necessary.
The tactics typically involve manipulation, strategic betrayal, and treating people as means to an end: His rise through the company was marked by Machiavellian tactics—flattering superiors while undermining rivals.
The phrase implies cold calculation rather than impulsive scheming.
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- The PrinceTreatise on obtaining power
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- dirty tricksUnscrupulous competitive sabotage
- triangulationLocation via three points
propaganda · smoke and mirrors · persuasion · subterfuge · intrigue · expediency · ends justify means · misdirection · consequentialism · exploitation · emotional blackmail · flattery · coercion · power play · political realism · Florentine Republic · opportunism · playing both sides
Machiavellian tacticsmoral integrity
Consistent ethical character
servant leadership · ethical conduct · noble conduct · doing the right thing
Machiavellian tacticscandor
Unguarded truthfulness
plain dealing · open communication · wearing one's heart on one's sleeve · what-you-see-is-what-you-get
Machiavelli, Machiavellian, tactic, tactical, tactically, tactician