Niccolò Machiavelli was a Renaissance political philosopher known for his influential work, "The Prince," which explores the mechanics of political power and statecraft. He is often associated with the idea that the ends justify the means in politics, emphasizing pragmatic and sometimes ruthless strategies for maintaining power. His thoughts on realpolitik have profoundly shaped modern political theory, advocating for a realistic and sometimes cynical approach to governance. Machiavelli's legacy continues to fuel debates about morality and ethical behavior in political leadership, where effectiveness sometimes clashes with ideals of virtue.