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
Timeline of Niccolò Machiavelli the First Decade of Livy"; "The Art of War" and the comedy, "Mandragola", a satire on seduction. In 1520, Cardinal Giulio de' Medici (later Pope Clement VII, 1523) secured him a commission to write a history of Florence, which he finished in 1525. After a brief return to public life, he died in 1527. "(Dates in square brackets are conjectural)" 1469 1471 1481 1484 1491 1492 1494 1498 1499 1500 1501 1502 1503 1504 1506 1507 1508 1509 1510 1511 1512 [After April 1512] [After April 1512 and before August 1513] 1513 [1514 or later] 1513 [1515–1520] Circa 1516 [1517