Nicolás Maquiavelo was a 16th-century Italian intellectual, diplomat, and writer, recognized as a foundational figure in Modern Political Science. His approach involved studying power as it functions in reality, rather than adhering to moral ideals, which was a significant departure from the philosophical norms of his time. By observing historical facts and human behavior, he contributed to understanding politics as an autonomous discipline, increasingly separate from ethics and religion.

Born in 1469 in Florence, Machiavelli's thoughts were greatly influenced by the tumultuous and fragmented political landscape of Italy, rife with wars and local power struggles. This unstable environment was crucial in shaping his understanding of politics. Unlike many contemporary authors who sought to portray ideal governments, Machiavelli focused on the pragmatic analysis of how power is exercised in practice and the strategies rulers employ to maintain it, thus providing a realistic framework for political thought.

Machiavelli's most famous work, 'The Prince', outlines these ideas and solidifies his place as a critical figure in political theory. His willingness to examine the often harsh realities of political life has earned him both admiration and criticism, marking him as a controversial yet pivotal figure in the evolution of political science, helping to establish a new way of understanding governance that resonates to this day.