machiavellianism

noun

• (philosophy, politics) A political philosophy, based on the writings of Machiavelli, especially The Prince, that advocates the use of ruthlessness and duplicity in political dealings.
• (countable) A political maneuver that exemplifies the philosophy.
• (personality psychology) A psychological trait centered on interpersonal manipulation, unemotional coldness, and indifference to morality.
• (by extension) Any ruthless, duplicitous behavior.