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.\ manipulating entreating

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the context. Machiavelli's advice about rulers not honoring their word when it's disadvantageous implies a strategy of controlling or influencing others for power. "Manipulating" means to control or influence shrewdly, which fits. "Entreating" means to beg or plead, which doesn't fit the tone of building power through strategic means.

Answer:

manipulating