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Why did Cicero later cooperate publicly with Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus?

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Marble bust of Marcus Tullius Cicero, shown with short hair and draped clothing, displayed against a black background. — Cicero Marcus Tullius Cicero, detail of a marble bust; in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.

Cicero initially refused to join the political alliance of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Marcus Licinius Crassus, viewing the First Triumvirate as an unconstitutional, extralegal compact.12

His eventual public cooperation was driven by political pressure and the need for self-preservation. After being exiled in 58 BCE due to the actions of the tribune Publius Clodius, Cicero was recalled in 57 BCE largely through the efforts of Pompey. Following his return, Cicero attempted to estrange Pompey from Caesar, but the three leaders renewed their alliance at Luca in 56 BCE.23

Facing this reality, and under direct pressure from Pompey, Cicero felt compelled to align himself with the dynasts to survive in the volatile political climate. He formalized this submission in writing—a move known as his "palinode"—and became their loyal spokesman, rationalizing his surrender by noting the lack of support he received from the traditional oligarchy he had hoped to lead.23