What is ethics and morality in the Machiavelli philosophy?

In Machiavelli's philosophy, ethics and morality are often seen as subservient to the attainment and maintenance of political power. He believed that a ruler should prioritize effectiveness over adhering to traditional moral standards, often advocating for the use of deceit and manipulation in order to achieve their goals. Machiavelli's focus was on the practicality of ruling rather than the ethical considerations that typically guide human behavior.