Studies in Machiavellianism covers the various aspects of Machiavellian personality and characteristics. Traditionally, the "Machiavellian" is someone who views and manipulates others for his own purposes. This 17-chapter text discusses the empirical findings on approved canons of social psychological reporting concerning Machiavellianism. The introductory chapters examine the relationships between Machiavellianism and measures of ability, opinion, and personality, as well as the visual interaction in relation to Machiavellianism and an unethical act. The succeeding chapters discuss the results and implications of the Machiavel study, with a particular emphasis on the measure of success of attempts to manipulate others. Other chapters deal with the results of the Con and Ten Dollar Games along with their interpretation. The remaining chapters discuss the laboratory and field research studies of Machiavellianism, as well as its social correlation. This book will prove useful to social psychologist, behaviorists, historians, and researchers.

The world abounds with tricksters, swindlers, and impostors. Many of them may well be described with the term Machiavellian. Such individuals disrespect moral principles, deceive their fellow beings, and take advantage of others’ frailty and gullibility. They have a penetrating, rational, and sober mind undisturbed by emotions. At times we cannot help but be enchanted by their talent even though we know they misuse it. Recent studies have revealed that Machiavellians possess a complex set of abilities and motivations. This insightful book examines the complexities of the Machiavellian trait, in relation to attitude, behaviour, and personality. By integrating results and experiences from social, personality, cognitive, and evolutionary psychology, Tamás Bereczkei explores the characteristics of Machiavellianism (such as social intelligence, deception, manipulation, and lack of empathy), and the causes and motives guiding Machiavellian behaviour. The author also demonstrates how Machiavellianism is related to strategic thinking and flexible long-term decisions rather than to a short-term perspective, as previously thought, and explores Machiavellianism in relation to the construct of the Dark Triad. The first comprehensive psychological book on Machiavellianism since Christie and Geis’ pioneering work in 1970, Machiavellianism summarises the most important research findings over the last few decades. This book is fascinating reading for students and researchers of psychology and related courses, as well as professionals dealing with Machiavellians in their work and practice.

This book had its origins in conversations held at various meetings of the International Society of Political Psychology. The editors and con tributors are grateful for the forum that has given us the opportunity to discuss these topics over the last 10 years. We are most grateful to our contributors both for their chapters and for the intellectual stimulation they have given us. Jos Meloen in particular has been free with his time, advice, and enthusiasm. Although he declined to contribute a chapter, Bob Altemeyer has been a source of encouragement and a ready adviser on any question we have asked. The staff of Springer-Verlag has been most patient in adapting to our schedule. We are indebted to the secretarial staff at the University of Maine, and especially to Kathy McAuliffe, who has put in many extra hours above and beyond the call of duty. Finally, we dedicate this book to our departed friend and colleague, Silvan Tomkins, with whom we conversed at length about these and other topics, and from whom we received inspiration and diversion. William F. Stone Gerda Lederer Richard Christie v Contents Preface. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . v Contributors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part I Overview 1 Introduction: Strength and Weakness ........................ 3 WILLIAM F. STONE, GERDA LEDERER, and RICHARD CHRISTIE 2 The Authoritarian Character from Berlin to Berkeley and Beyond: The Odyssey of a Problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 22 . . . . . .

Dispelling the myth that Florentine politics offered only negative lessons, Mark Jurdjevic shows that significant aspects of Machiavelli's political thought were inspired by his native city. Machiavelli's contempt for Florence's shortcomings was a direct function of his considerable estimation of the city's unrealized political potential.

The Dark Triad of Personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy in Everyday Life summarizes the latest research on how these personality traits (psychopathology, narcissism, Machiavellianism) are defined and displayed, while also exploring the impact they have on individuals and society, the relationship between clinical conditions and personality traits, and their adaptivity. The book introduces the Dark Triad through the lens of existing clinical and personality literature, discussing shared and unique cognitive and empathetic profiles associated with each trait. Antisocial, antagonistic, and criminal behaviors associated with the Dark Triad are also covered, as is the way these individuals compete socially and in the workplace. - Reviews the development, measurement and evolutionary origins of these traits - Explores how these traits may be adaptive - Assesses the relationship between clinical conditions and Dark Triad personality traits - Includes sections on manipulation, competition and cooperation

Intensifying economic and political inequality poses a dangerous threat to the liberty of democratic citizens. Mounting evidence suggests that economic power, not popular will, determines public policy, and that elections consistently fail to keep public officials accountable to the people. McCormick confronts this dire situation through a dramatic reinterpretation of Niccolò Machiavelli's political thought. Highlighting previously neglected democratic strains in Machiavelli's major writings, McCormick excavates institutions through which the common people of ancient, medieval and Renaissance republics constrained the power of wealthy citizens and public magistrates, and he imagines how such institutions might be revived today. It reassesses one of the central figures in the Western political canon and decisively intervenes into current debates over institutional design and democratic reform. McCormick proposes a citizen body that excludes socioeconomic and political elites and grants randomly selected common people significant veto, legislative and censure authority within government and over public officials.