Which author is considered the founder of modern political science and wrote 'The Prince'?

Niccolò Machiavelli is recognized as the founder of modern political science primarily due to his influential work, "The Prince." Written in the early 16th century, this book provides a pragmatic analysis of political power and ethics, focusing on the ways rulers can maintain authority and control over their states. Machiavelli's separation of politics from ethics was groundbreaking, establishing a new framework for understanding governance that has shaped political theory ever since. His candid approach to the realities of political life, such as the necessity for deception and manipulation in leadership, marked a significant departure from the idealistic views prevalent in earlier political thought. This separation of morality from political practice is a key aspect that defines modern political science, making Machiavelli’s contributions foundational in the field.