Abstract

A compromise is the final decision adopted by mediating between two or more opposite proposals. A compromise can be achieved in various ways, and all ways have been tried in Tunisia over the last few years, starting from 2011, when the Arab world entered a cycle of generalized revolution. A compromise is historic when in a society the trade-off is decided by a number of influential political actors and comports with the major political and social guidelines or even fits into a historical context in rapid evolution (marked by sudden and massive changes). It is therefore a fundamental choice of orientation which cannot be considered ordinary administration. A profusion of approximations, errors of assessment, and "clichés" have been circulating about the revolution, particularly about the one that took place in Tunisia. In an effort to clear away these misunderstandings, this essay offers some observations on the conditions that bring about a revolution.