beating 'difficult AI'

[Hiro_Antagonist]

Another quick question:

I've been playing against 5 computer AI opponents on Desert Eye. No matter who I play, it's almost always the same thing:
-I expand quickly, usually barely qualifying as the top player according to score graphs at around turn 20 or so.
-I first fight one opponent, nearly kill (or totally kill) them, when others start piling on.
-AI opponents keep declaring war on me until I'm fighting everyone, and seemingly attracting all of their attention. I find myself unable to cope, and by turn 45 or so I usually quit because it's clear I'm going to lose.

I'm not sure how to break out of this cycle. Am I just not good enough? Can I pacify the AI and convince it to stop attacking me somehow? Is there some specific strategy/tactic I need to employ?

Any help would be appreciated.

-Hiro_Antagonist