[Steely Tom]

History shows that it a standard feature of decent into anarchy is armed thugs positioning themselves at street and highway intersections to control access and extract payment (or “taxes”) from anyone passing through.

This funds the emergence of “warlords,” who pay off politicians and form a symbiotic relationship with the various ganglia of power, including law enforcement and emergency services.

Eventually the warlords themselves buy their way into political power.

[EEGator]

My brother and friend had to pay to use a horse path in Ecuador to pass...

[dfwgator]

This funds the emergence of “warlords,” who pay off politicians and form a symbiotic relationship with the various ganglia of power, including law enforcement and emergency services. Eventually the warlords themselves buy their way into political power.

"Can you dig it?"

[abbastanza]

I think that’s been done.

[ridesthemiles]

IIRC, The Knights Templar came around due to the attacks on travelers.