The Mongol People A. Nomadic herders in Central Asia 1. See text by William of Rubruk for a description. B. Leadership was traditionally very centralized. But it is also public.
Control is informal.
Families were free to leave the group and join another. The tribute system B. Military advantages 1. Competition for scarce resources leads to conflict 2. The Steppe Pony and the Mongol bow and arrow were ideal weapons for this climate. C. Many people besides the Mongols desired a Central Asian Empire 1.