Niccolò Machiavelli wrote "The Prince," a foundational text in political theory that explores the nature of power and statecraft. Written in the early 16th century, it offers pragmatic advice for rulers on maintaining authority and navigating the complexities of governance. Machiavelli emphasizes the necessity of sometimes employing cunning and ruthless tactics for political success, diverging from traditional moralistic views. The work remains influential in political philosophy and realpolitik discussions, highlighting the often pragmatic nature of political leadership.