Various scholars have debated whether Caesar Augustus' foreign policy to expand Rome's empire had more to do with defensive imperialism as a response to encroaching threats, or rather, with an aggressive, unmotivated move to claim hegemony over the known world. However, I would like to postulate in support of the first theory that, in an effort to restore and ensure lasting security for their empire, Augustus was forced to take proactive measures to preserve it. Since territorial borders normally run along rivers so as to provide a better defensive position, he found it necessary to expand the northern border to the river so as to ensure their autonomy and position. Perhaps if he had managed to create a large buffer, those elected to the leadership would have been admitted to the Senate, where public affairs were discussed. The divisions of power during the time were complicated, and no single person was entitled to too much power. The tribunes, made up of ten men, were established to monitor the Senate and ensure that the interests of the people were protected. However, this system began to collapse as some individuals wanted to have more power than others. Such people began to compete for that power and use it to exploit Rome's politics. Subsequently, competition for power led to civil wars that paved the way for the growth of individual leadership. Gradually, the dictatorship replaced the republican government, and when Augustus came to power, he became the sole and undisputed leader of Rome. This marked the beginning of the Roman Empire, where government was exercised through the policies of Augustus. Augustus' foreign policy focused on the expansion of the Roman Empire. However, scholars have debated whether Augustus' policies were dictated by aggressive conquest and greed or simply defensive imperialism. Augustus felt the need to expand the territorial borders to restore order and lasting security to the new improvisations born during the civil war, and therefore could not be neglected during the restoration works. Such initiatives included a standing army under the leadership of Augustus, with Augustus himself as commander-in-chief. His position gave him the power to rule over Rome. However, he faced some setbacks as the republic was not ready for a dictatorial leader. His desire to maintain authority put the Roman Empire at risk of future civil wars among other generals. His goal was to rebuild and restore Rome, but to maintain his power Augustus had to make it possible to restore peace and unity within the Roman population. The Roman citizens longed for the same peace that reigned before the start of the civil war and were ready to support Augustus as long as he was ready and willing to preserve Rome and the privileges of the people. He accepted, making the tactical decision to return power to the Senate, subsequently relinquishing control of the provinces and armies. However, his troops remained loyal to him and his financial power remained unrivaled throughout the Roman Republic. Once again the Senate proclaimed Augustus victor of the civil wars, and he resumed command of the provinces and armies. This made him the overall leader and figurehead as he was a powerful politician