Political opportunism Political opportunism Political opportunism refers to the attempt to maintain political support, or increase political influence, in a way which disregards relevant ethical or political principles. The political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli as described in "The Prince" is often regarded as a classic manual of opportunist scheming, and indeed a "Machiavellian" is nowadays defined as "a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, especially a politician". Political opportunism is interpreted in different ways, but usually refers to one or more of the following: Typically, opportunist political behavior is criticized for being short-sighted or narrow-minded. That is, in the urge to make short-term
The New Machiavelli interesting"; another admirer, Henry James, regarded Wells's use of the first person an artistic mistake. Beatrice Webb called "The New Machiavelli" "very clever in a malicious way" but did not sue, saying that the novel "lays bare the tragedy of H.G.'s life—his aptitude for 'fine thinking' and even 'good feeling' and yet his total incapacity for decent conduct". Some libraries banned the book and the "Spectator" did not review it. Reviewers were receptive to Wells's political argument but hostile to its sexual message. The New Machiavelli The New Machiavelli is a 1911 novel by H. G. Wells that was serialised