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"The Prince" is a political treatise by Niccolò Machiavelli, written around 1513 and published posthumously in 1532. The work is a pragmatic analysis of political power, leadership, and the dynamics of statecraft. Unlike previous political philosophers who emphasized ideals, Machiavelli focused on the practical realities of achieving and maintaining power. The book discusses various types of principalities, the qualities of a successful ruler, and the justifications for political actions, including the use of force and deceit under certain conditions. "The Prince" is renowned for its discussion on whether it is better for a leader to be loved or feared, and it introduces the concept that the ends justify the means in the context of political governance.