Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance diplomat, philosopher, and writer best known for his political treatise "The Prince," written in 1513. His works, particularly "The Prince" and "Discourses on Livy," revolutionized political theory by advocating for pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approaches to statecraft, emphasizing that rulers should prioritize maintaining power and stability over moral considerations. Machiavelli's ideas have had a lasting impact on political thought, earning him recognition as the father of modern political philosophy and political science.