ABSTRACT
The process of political transition implies that the old order is disappearing, but it does not imply the speed at which, or extent to which, it might change. Recognising a transition might therefore overstate the extent of change. In some cases, an existing political order may simply re-invent itself, or pretend to do so, to gain advantage. At least as commonly, the existing political order will be divided and there will be a contest within it to see which possible iteration of future possibilities succeeds. Very often, the outcome is not a clear victory for one faction or another, but a jumble in which compromise dominates but many other elements may remain ambiguous.
