Abstract: What happens when states or empires face multiple and geographically dispersed assaults along their frontiers from non-state, tribal actors? It is
plausible to argue that the result may be state decentralization, both military
and administrative. In some cases, this may be a conscious strategy pursued by
the central authorities, but in others, it may be the result of centrifugal
tendencies pursued by disaffected local leaders. This article illustrates this
argument by describing the end of the Roman empire, caused by multiple
assaults of barbarian groups. The lesson is that in such an environment a
centralized state that arrogates to itself all the functions of security provision
may undermine its own safety.