ABSTRACT
Factors that present explanations for the decline and fall of empires are as follows; a state's capacity to marshal resources and direct them to bear on pressing problems depends on political institution and social structure. To allocate the expenditure of limited revenue, the government must identify problems, reconcile claims, and set priorities. Reconciliation is never perfect, and friction engenders waste even in good times. Social bifurcation and entrenchment of local powers increase tax evasion. Extreme ideologies and stubborn factions paralyze decision making and policy execution. Civil wars are worse. As revenues drain into infighting or dissipate in mismanagement, problems dangerous to all, such as rebellion or invasion. The two periods of sharp population decline both saw civil wars that accompanied dynastic change. Social coagulation and political polarization are in some ways similar to the progression of cancer. Like cancer progression, power roots slowly. Just as cancer afflicts mostly elderly persons, predatory elite groups come to dominance in aging empires.
