Political instability, infighting among powerful generals, and frequent changes in leadership created a chaotic and ineffective central government in the Western Roman Empire.

The period leading up to the fall was marked by an alarming rate of imperial turnover, particularly in the 3rd and 5th centuries. Emperors were frequently overthrown or assassinated, often by their own generals (often barbarian-born) or ambitious court factions. This constant struggle for power meant that rulers spent more time securing their position than governing effectively or addressing the empire's pressing issues. The absence of a clear and stable line of succession, often reliant on military acclamation rather than dynastic principles, exacerbated this cycle of violence and instability. Powerful military commanders, often referred to as 'king-makers,' wielded immense influence, effectively controlling the emperors they installed. This fragmentation of real power undermined the authority of the imperial office itself, leading to inconsistent policies, a weakening of legal structures, and a growing disconnect between the central government and its distant provinces. Without strong, stable leadership, the empire struggled to coordinate its defenses, manage its economy, or command the loyalty of its diverse populations, paving the way for eventual collapse.