What argument counters the Russian duke's description of the Mongols?

The argument that counters the Russian duke's description of the Mongols focuses on the notion that the Mongols expanded political institutions. This perspective highlights how the Mongol Empire established a vast and structured system of governance across their territories, allowing for the integration of different cultures and societies. When the Mongols conquered new regions, they often incorporated local administrative practices and created a centralized system that effectively managed diverse populations.

This expansion of political institutions is significant because it demonstrates that the Mongols were not merely conquerors but also state builders. They implemented a well-organized bureaucracy, facilitated communication across their empire with the Yam system (a relay network of mounted couriers), and promoted laws that applied uniformly across their domains. This approach enabled the empire to maintain control and order over vast areas, which challenged any simplistic view of the Mongols as barbaric invaders.

In contrast, while peaceful governance, trade networks, and diplomacy played roles in the Mongol strategy, the argument regarding the expansion of political institutions directly addresses the description provided by the Russian duke by showing a more sophisticated and structured aspect of Mongol rule.