Final answer:
The subject matter involves forensic psychology and political psychology, examining the behaviors of skillful manipulators and their impact on politics and law. The works of Sigmund Freud and studies on political personalities like 'The Authoritarian Personality' contribute to our understanding of manipulative behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most skillful and dangerous manipulators in psychology are often discussed within the realm of forensic psychology. This branch of psychology is distinct from clinical psychology, which tends to be more focused on treating mental health issues rather than the assessment and profiling of individuals in legal contexts. Forensic psychology intersects with law and focuses on the minds of individuals who commit crimes, including those who may be adept at manipulation. It is also concerned with understanding political behavior and political psychology, which contends that skilled political actors are rational and make strategic decisions.
Intuitive decision-making, also known as 'Thinking Fast', is another area where the psychology of manipulation can be studied. This process involves noncognitive decision-making that many skilled manipulators might exploit. The work of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung introduced the complex world of the subconscious mind to our understanding of human behavior, further complicating the assessment of manipulation and rationality.
In the academic study of the human mind, political personalities such as those described in 'The Authoritarian Personality' are of interest as well. This work looks into character traits that might predispose individuals to authoritarianism and by extension, to manipulating or being manipulated in political contexts.