The domestic constraints approach to decolonization explains the process of colonial withdrawal by emphasizing the internal conditions, pressures, and transformations within the colonizing societies rather than focusing only on the resistance movements in the colonies. Although decolonization is mainly associated with the twentieth century, the approach can be understood through comparisons with patterns of political change and imperial decline observed in ancient and medieval societies, where internal weaknesses often influenced the survival or collapse of imperial systems. In ancient societies, many empires experienced decline when domestic problems weakened their ability to maintain control over distant territories. The Roman Empire provides an important example. The expansion of Rome created administrative and military burdens, while economic difficulties, political instability, and conflicts among ruling elites reduced the capacity of the empire to control its provinces. Local populations in