"The Prince" is a political treatise written by Niccolò Machiavelli in 1513. It offers advice to rulers on how to maintain power and govern effectively. The book emphasizes the importance of pragmatism over idealism, suggesting that leaders may need to engage in morally questionable actions for the sake of stability and control. Machiavelli's work is often associated with the concept of Machiavellianism, which refers to cunning and deceit in politics. "The Prince" has been influential in political theory and is frequently studied in courses on political science and leadership. Its ideas continue to spark debate about ethics in governance.