Alot of those tribes just straight up joined, yes. Often through democratic processes because there were many benefits.
Most of the (largely local) democratic processes of the Roman Empire were long-dead by the 5th century AD.
Most important was the taxes to Rome and access through roads. There was even freedom of religion. A very sucessful system with a strong center that could hold cohesion inside its borders.
Most of the (largely local) democratic processes of the Roman Empire were long-dead by the 5th century AD.
Freedom of religion? In the Late Empire?
Okay the freedom of religion was abandoned later.
The democratic processes did not die completely. Apparently only the nobles and the representatives could vote.
My point is that the meme is very exaggerated.
In the Late Empire? Not in any meaningful sense. Even the Senate was castrated at that point.
Sure, but nearly all humor is to some degree.
Still the democratic structures were in place.
Okay i didn’t know its humour ;)