How does The Prince explain the ways rulers can gain and keep political power?

In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli argues that rulers must prioritize the "effectual truth" of politics over idealistic moral standards to gain and maintain power. He posits that because human nature is inherently fickle and self-interested, a prince cannot rely on the goodwill or promises of others.123

To succeed, a ruler must adopt the following strategies:

• Mastery and Necessity: A prince must learn "how not to be good" and use that knowledge according to necessity. He should rely on his own arms—both military strength and personal resolve—rather than the support of others.12
• Virtù: Machiavelli redefines virtue (virtù) as the ability to command fortune through audacity, cunning, and a focus on the art of war, rather than traditional moral goodness.1
• The Lion and the Fox: A ruler must combine the strength of a lion with the cunning of a fox, remaining vigilant and ruthless.3
• Calculated Action: Cruelty should be "well used" when necessary, and injuries should be total, as men can avenge minor wrongs but not major ones.13

Ultimately, Machiavelli asserts that the safety and expansion of the state are the supreme objectives, often placing the ruler beyond conventional morality.3