Question

complete the sentence with the word that best fits the overall meaning and tone.

philosopher niccolò machiavelli advises politicians to build power by ________ others, stating that \a prudent ruler cannot, and must not, honor his word when it places him at a disadvantage.\

entreating

manipulating

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context. Machiavelli's advice here involves a ruler not keeping their word if it's disadvantageous, which aligns with using cunning or influence over others. "Entreating" means pleading, which doesn't fit. "Manipulating" means controlling or influencing shrewdly, which matches the tone of Machiavelli's advice on gaining power.

Answer:

manipulating