The reliance on extrapolations from related constructs like psychopathy and narcissism raises questions about the specificity of the conclusions. Could the authors elaborate on how Machiavellianism is distinct in its underlying mechanisms, rather than overlapping with broader dark triad traits?
While the paper identifies gaps in biological and psychosocial mechanisms, more emphasis on how these gaps could be addressed experimentally would strengthen its contribution to the field.
I also would like to know whether cultural or sociopolitical factors were considered in the discussion of Machiavellian tendencies. For instance, could variations in cultural norms or societal structures influence how Machiavellian traits manifest or are perceived in different populations? Furthermore, the review touches on neural correlates but does not address how environmental factors, such as early-life experiences or trauma, might interact with these neural patterns. Incorporating these perspectives could provide a more nuanced understanding of the trait and its broader implications.