Niccolò Machiavelli is commonly regarded as the father of modern political science. His seminal work, "The Prince," published in 1532, offered pragmatic advice on political leadership and statecraft, emphasizing the importance of power, realism, and cunning over idealistic morals. Machiavelli's ideas diverged from the medieval thought that focused on ethics and religion in governance, instead advocating for a more scientific observation of political behavior. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern political theory, influencing both political leaders and thinkers for centuries.