The father of modern political philosophy is often considered to be Niccolò Machiavelli. His work, particularly "The Prince," laid the groundwork for contemporary political thought by examining the nature of power, leadership, and statecraft. Machiavelli's pragmatic approach to politics, often detached from morality, focused on the strategies rulers could adopt to maintain authority and control. His ideas on governance, the role of the state, and realpolitik have influenced generations of political theorists and practitioners. Machiavelli's analysis of power dynamics remains relevant in today's discussions about leadership and ethics in politics.