Niccolò Machiavelli is often referred to as the father of modern political philosophy. His seminal work, "The Prince," examines the nature of power, governance, and human behavior. Machiavelli's insights into political realism, advocating that leaders may need to be pragmatic rather than idealistic, have profoundly influenced political thought. His ideas encourage critical discussions about morality in politics and the complexities of maintaining authority amid competing interests and ambitions.