  We describe a framework for reformulating and solving optimization problems
that generalizes the well-known framework originally introduced by Benders. We
discuss details of the application of the procedures to several classes of
optimization problems that fall under the umbrella of multilevel/multistage
mixed integer linear optimization problems. The application of this abstract
framework to this broad class of problems provides new insights and a broader
interpretation of the core ideas, especially as they relate to duality and the
value functions of optimization problems that arise in this context.
