noun
Machiavellian scheming; trickery; wiles
A yojijukugo describing cunning political or strategic maneuvering, often with a negative connotation of deceit and manipulation.
彼は権謀術策を巡らせて政敵を追い落とした。
He used Machiavellian scheming to oust his political rivals.
その歴史小説は権謀術策に満ちている。
That historical novel is full of intrigue and trickery.
A yojijukugo combining 権 (power), 謀 (plot), 術 (technique), and 策 (plan). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is used to describe elaborate, cunning strategies.