Today when we look back at the history of the Mongol invasions we tend to view them as a force of destruction and plunder. However there does exist a dissenting view. One in which the Mongols are seen not as pillagers but instead as visionaries. Promoters of a bold vision of a better, braver new world. A world in which all were equal and justice reigned. Truth be told though this is a pretty damned far fetched view and the reality is that even Genghis himself wouldn't support as evidenced by an off-hand remark he made one evening in 1526.
"Mmmm, this brain and carrot pie is just the thing needed to fuel the head of a destructive plundering force."
It must be said that this view does leave out one important characteristic that the Mongols brought to the world, stability. It would be important to note here though that a common definition of stability does not involve peace but is instead
'stability: the quality of being enduring and free from change or variation'. Free from change or variation was a quality the Golden Horde was able to provide in spades, some might say they were bastions of freedom (from advancement). There were even suggestions of exporting it at one time until the point was made that this itself would be a variation and as such best avoided.
Stability was chiefly maintained through the regular occurrence of events involving three things. The first was rebels. An important part of Horde culture rebels served several purposes. Training the army, entertainment, food for the Khan and population control.
Rebels do their duty and keep the Horde stable
The second was brains. The Horde's expansion had none nothing to dampen the Khan's appetite. In fact it had perhaps only served to increase it as the greater variation in ingredients enabled him to eat more without getting bored. Genghis even went on to release a cookbook offering helpful advice on the best methods of preparation for those inclined towards cranial snacks.
It became a runaway best seller, not so much for its content but rather for the fact that those found not to be in possession of it were liable to find themselves enjoying it recipes in much the same way chickens enjoy the colonels elevens secret herbs and spices.
The third and final element in the Horde's guide to stability was war. A good war, mused Genghis, helps to galvanise a nation and more importantly concentrate public interest away from the failures of the government. Clearly the Horde was not the only nation to think in such a manner for the Poles were more than happy to try out the method for themselves.