Correct Answer: Machiavelli

Solution : The correct option is Machiavelli.

Niccol Machiavelli (1469-1527), an Italian philosopher, is credited with coining the term "state" in its contemporary connotation. He describes the state in his book The Prince as "a political unit that is sovereign and has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within its territory." He was a political philosopher of the Italian Renaissance who made major contributions to political thinking.