What book did Machiavelli write about political power and leadership?

Machiavelli's most famous work focused on political power and leadership is "The Prince." In this book, he discusses the practicalities of ruling and the qualities necessary for effective leadership. Written in the early 16th century, "The Prince" is often considered one of the foundational texts of modern political theory. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of pragmatism in governance, suggesting that rulers may need to resort to deceit and manipulation to maintain their power and secure the stability of the state. This perspective was revolutionary for its time, marking a departure from the idealistic views of leadership that were prevalent in earlier political philosophy.

The other works mentioned, while significant in their own right, focus on different aspects of politics and ideals. "The Discourses" also by Machiavelli, critiques the principles laid out in "The Prince" and discusses the benefits of republicanism. "The Courtier" by Baldassare Castiglione explores the qualities of the ideal gentleman and court life rather than political strategy. Thomas More’s "Utopia" presents a vision of a perfect society, examining social and political organization, but does not focus specifically on leadership or the acquisition of power in the way that "The Prince" does.