Tocompromise is to make a deal between different parties where each party gives up part of theirdemand. Inarguments, compromise means findingagreement throughcommunication, through a mutualacceptance of terms—often involving variations from an originalgoal or desires. Defining and finding the best possible compromise is an important problem in fields likegame theory and thevoting system.
Research indicates that suboptimal compromises are often the result of negotiators failing to realize when they have interests that are completely compatible with those of the other party, leading them to settle for suboptimal agreements. Mutually better outcomes can often be found by careful investigation of both parties' interests, especially if done early in negotiations.[1]
The compromise solution of a multicriteriadecision making ormulti-criteria decision analysis problem that is the closest to the ideal could be determined by theVIKOR method, which provides a maximum utility of the majority, and a minimum individual regret of the opponent.[clarification needed][2]
In international politics, compromises often discussed include infamous deals with dictators, such asNeville Chamberlain'sappeasement ofAdolf Hitler. Margalit calls these "rotten compromises."[3] In the United States and other democratic countries[clarification needed], many politicians of recent timespermanently campaign to gain reelection. Thus, United States Ambassador to GermanyAmy Gutmann and political scientistDennis F. Thompson have observed that compromise is more difficult.[4] The problem of political compromise in general is an important subject inpolitical ethics.
Politicians being willing to compromise can reducepartisanship and hostility. Politics is sometimes called the "art of compromise".[5] Polling by the American Survey Center indicates that Americans take a favorable view of political compromise.[6]
In human relationships, "compromise" can make no party happy because the parties involved feel that they either gave away too much or that they received too little.[7] Compromise may be referred to ascapitulation, a "surrender" of objectives, principles, or material.Extremism is often considered as anantonym to compromise, which, depending on context, may be associated with concepts ofbalance andtolerance.
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