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Historically, many tyrants had the opportunity to reach an agreement with their enemies. AFAIK, few have taken this course and as a result lost their position, power and sometimes even their lives. Napoleon in 1813, Saddam in 2002, perhaps even Hitler in 1943 are good examples.

In the case of Napoleon and Saddam, the reason given is that they feared that giving in would weaken their internal position and power base. That their position was due to being perceived as all-powerful, ruthless and unassailable. And as soon as that image was torn, they would be deposed.

Is this really true? Have there been tyrants who made peace and then were toppled?
Would Napoleon or Saddam have been toppled by a Fouche or a

Saeed al-Sahaf ;)


Can a tyrant ever let the reigns slacken or are they fated to rule with ruthless tyranny forever? Could Franco be seen as a tyrant who reached an agreement? Was he still a ruthless tyrant in his later years?
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