The Prince is sometimes claimed to be one of the first works of modern philosophy, especially modern political philosophy, in which the effective truth is taken to be more important than any abstract ideal. It was also in direct conflict with the dominant Catholic and scholastic doctrines of the time concerning politics and ethics.

Although it is relatively short, the treatise is the most remembered of Machiavelli's works and the one most responsible for bringing the word "Machiavellian" into usage. It even contributed to the modern negative connotations of the words "politics" and "politician" in western countries.

In terms of subject matter it overlaps with the much longer Discourses on Livy, which was written a few years later. The descriptions within The Prince have the general theme of accepting that the aims of princes, such as glory and survival - can justify the use of immoral means.