Content: Classical treatise on the use of power from 1500's Italy. Puts forward the case that action has to be judged by its results not by an absolute morality so the Prince may have to eliminate an opponent. It therefore becomes part of the tradition that says the ends justify the means and in this regard, perhaps prefigures later utilitarianism.
Relevance: If Machiavelli has anything of the truth then holistic political economy must to face up to it. My contribution is to point out that any act of violence causes a reaction which may also be violent (in practice the first action may be seen to legitimise the violent reaction). At the very least we need to be very circumspect and apply strict criteria to thinking about ends and means, above all we must question if our exercise of power leads only to short term compliance or contributes to long term commitment.