Two-Dimensional Machiavellianism: Shortening the Scale and Expanding the Nomological Network to Political Psychology

Summary

This paper advances the two-dimensional model of Machiavellianism, which separates a cynical view of human nature (Views) from an ends-justify-the-means willingness to manipulate (Tactics). The authors develop and validate a shortened version of the two-dimensional Machiavellianism scale to provide an efficient measure suitable for survey research. They then extend the construct's nomological network into political psychology, testing how the Views and Tactics dimensions relate to key political attitudes and orientations. The results support the shortened scale's reliability and validity and show that the two dimensions carry distinct associations with political variables. The work positions two-dimensional Machiavellianism as a useful lens for understanding personality influences on political attitudes.