Manipulation isn’t always as blatant or easy to detect as you might think. In fact, some of the most cunning manipulators are masters of being subtle, skillfully concealing their ulterior motives behind a veil of charm and persuasion.

The term “Machiavelli” comes from the 17th-century Italian diplomat Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote about power and manipulation in his works. People who are considered Machiavellian are often adept at manipulating others for their own gain.

In this article, we’ll dive into the playbook of these types of individuals, so you can learn how to go after them and protect yourself from these scammers. To do this, we’ll reveal the classic manipulation tactics they use, giving you a much-needed insight into their manipulative game.

So buckle up, because here are the eight classic manipulation tactics used by Machiavellians.

1) Play on your fears

Manipulation often begins with a deep understanding of a person’s insecurities. In essence, the master manipulator knows how to play on these weaknesses.

Machiavellian types are no different. They are experts at identifying your weaknesses and using them as leverage. It makes you question your worth, your decisions, and even your perceptions.

This tactic is incredibly effective because it makes you rely on the manipulator for validation. It’s a way to keep you off balance and in a constant state of self-doubt.

However, recognizing this tactic is the first step to countering its effects. By understanding that a manipulator may be trying to exploit your insecurities, you are one step closer to protecting yourself from their influence.

Just remember – everyone has insecurities, but they shouldn’t be used as weapons against you.

2) Gas lighting

A favorite and particularly sinister technique used by Machiavellian types, this strategy involves disarming the victim by leading them down a dimly lit path that ends with them questioning their sanity.

You may have heard of gaslighting (usually jilted) lovers, but this isn’t just limited to charlatans and playboys. In fact, almost anyone—from the lady cashier at the supermarket, to the colleague sitting to your right, to your landlord—can have Machiavelli characteristics.

One of their favorite tactics is gaslighting, a very powerful global manipulation tactic because it undermines a person’s confidence and self-confidence. This leaves the victim more vulnerable to further manipulation as the relationship fluctuates.

The key to combating this tactic is to trust your instincts and seek validation from other sources (that you trust) when necessary.

3) The “foot in the door” technique.

Machiavellian types often use a tactic known as the “foot in the door” technique. This includes asking for a small, easy-to-grant request first. Maybe you pass them their coat, or open the door for them.

Then, they follow it with a larger and more important request. Not sure how you can agree to this, but suddenly you’re picking up their kids from school, 5 days a week. Free, as well.

Research shows that people are more likely to agree to a large request if they have previously agreed to a smaller request. It’s a psychological trick that exploits our natural desire for consistency. The wonderful thing is that when we say yes once, we find it surprisingly difficult to say no the next time.

So, although you should aim to be kind and generous, be wary of small tasks that turn out to be waiting for you.

Next time you find yourself agreeing to a small request, be on the lookout for the larger request that may follow.

4) Feigned ignorance

Play dumb, bat those big eyelashes, and pose in all your silly glory.

This is a classic tactic used by Machiavellian individuals. They shrug their shoulders, stand around confused, and pretend to be completely ignorant or uninformed about a particular topic to manipulate others into doing something for them.

By feigning ignorance, they force others to step in and take charge. Like a parent caring for a lost little child. This often results in the manipulator getting the desired outcome (they can have their cake and eat it), without having to lift a finger. It’s a sneaky way to avoid responsibility while still doing things their way.

This tactic can be difficult to detect because it is often disguised as helplessness or lack of understanding.

However, if you notice a pattern in which someone repeatedly needs help with tasks they should be able to handle and then asks the world about you, you may be dealing with a feigned ignorance tactic.

5) Tripping with guilt

Another common tool in the Machiavellian arsenal is guilt tripping, which involves manipulating someone by making them feel guilty and playing on that shame.

The manipulator may assume the role of victim, exaggerate disappointment and sadness, or even mention past favors to make you feel obligated to comply with his request.

The goal is to make you feel so guilty that you will do absolutely anything to relieve these negative feelings and relieve your induced guilt. If you even dare to refuse the call, you will be portrayed as the most miserable and cruel soul on the planet.

Guilt can be harmful because it often leads to resentment and strained relationships.

That’s why it’s important to remember that healthy relationships involve mutual respect and understanding, not guilt and obligation. If you find yourself always feeling guilty towards someone, this may be a sign that they are using this manipulative tactic on you.

6) Love bombing

We’ve mentioned gaslighting and guilt tripping, but this is often preceded by a less important but still vital tactic – love bombing.

Here, the manipulator builds a relationship and connection with the victim. This tactic is often used in the early stages of a relationship, where the manipulator showers their target with undue affection, constant compliments, and bold declarations of love or affection.

This may seem quite romantic at first – who doesn’t want to be loved and cherished? Finally, you feel seen, heard, and valued!

However, beneath this stream of affection lies the manipulator’s hidden motive: to make you emotionally dependent on him.

This dependency allows them to control you more easily, as you are less likely to challenge or leave someone you think you love dearly. The shift from love bombing to manipulation can be very subtle, which makes it even more dangerous.

Remember, true love is not about control or creating dependency.

It’s about respect, understanding and mutual growth. If you get too stressed out too quickly, it may be love bombing rather than true affection.

7) The silent treatment

There are few feelings worse than being in conflict or disagreement with someone, only for them to dismiss you and throw away the key. They stare at you in stone-faced silence and refuse to engage or make up, leaving you feeling like a nervous wreck with wailing sirens.

The silent treatment is a form of emotional manipulation that involves ignoring or refusing to communicate with someone as a form of punishment.

This type of behavior can create a power dynamic where the person offering the silent treatment takes complete control over and restricts the victim. It is a manipulative way to avoid resolving the conflict and force the other person to give up or apologize just to restore communication.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is essential that you recognize it for what it is (i.e. manipulation) and not blame yourself for someone else’s decision to cut off contact, which is a truly unhealthy tactic when used consciously.

8) Fear of loss

Machiavellian types often manipulate by creating a sense of fear or urgency. It becomes a case of “doing it right in the moment,” or stripping the manipulator of his or her love and affection in an instant.

They portray themselves as the prize they would give up at every moment, creating an atmosphere in which the victim is imbued with the fear of missing out or losing something valuable.

They may indicate that the opportunity is limited (usually you spend time with them), or that you will lose your social status or other valuable benefits if you do not act immediately. (Perhaps to carry out their orders or speed up the speed with which you respond to all their desires and requests.)

This fear of loss can cloud our judgment, making us more likely to make rash decisions that we might not have made under normal circumstances.

If you feel like someone is dangling their love in front of you by a thread, it’s important to take a step back and recognize this tactic when it’s in action.

Remember, it is better to miss something than to rush into a decision that you may regret later.

Understand the game

The eight manipulation tactics listed above, while insidious, are not invincible.

Although I would never encourage you to engage with them, there is great benefit to understanding them so you can spot them from a distance and protect yourself.

Our best defense is when we detect the enemy in general, and learning about these techniques can enable us to navigate through life without getting caught in the webs that Machiavelli weaves.

Remember – knowledge is power.

Now that you’re familiar with these tactics, you’re better equipped to spot them and protect yourself.

Be bold in trusting your intuition, remember to ask what doesn’t feel right, and be reassured that it’s okay to say no. You are in control of your life, not a puppet on a string.

Understand the game

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