 Neither proved to be effective emperors, and Stilicho came to be the "de facto" commander-in-chief of the Roman armies in the west while his rival Rufinus became the power behind the throne in the east.In his role in the west, Stilicho proved his abilities energetically, although political maneuverings by agents of the two imperial courts would hinder him throughout his career.His first brush with such court politics came in 395.