Niccolò Machiavelli is often considered the father of modern political science, with key contributions including the separation of politics from ethics and the pragmatic analysis of power. His work, particularly "The Prince," offers insights into the nature of political authority and the complexity of realpolitik, emphasizing that effective governance may require actions that deviate from moral considerations. Machiavelli's ideas laid the groundwork for later political theorists and practitioners, influencing the understanding of statecraft and the behavior of political leaders. His emphasis on realism continues to resonate in contemporary political analysis.