The Spartan Tradition
Cyrus was raised in the Spartan tradition and this seems to be something that the author is a great supporter of. So what was the Spartan tradition? Essentially, it is the tradition of war. The society of Sparta was a warrior society that centered around loyalty to the state, and the importance of military service.
However, Spartan tradition also included a great deal of emphasis on politics, critical thinking and the role of philosophy in political relationships. In Cyrus' case this seemed to be something that he used that helped him to strategize, and certainly to form alliances purely out of pragmatism with nations he had no wish to be on friendly terms with but needed in order to exert his strength elsewhere.
Despotism
Cyrus, although beloved by his people, was a despot; a one-man band of a government who played the role of every member of a more traditional cabinet-style leadership. His word was law and it was his way or the highway, but the author argues that his people actually wanted to be governed like this, and so when despotism does not involve persecution of the people it can actually work well for a sprawling empire like the one that Cyrus ruled.
Cyrus made alliances based on his view of the world, without taking advice. He also worked hard to extend his empire and to make sure that any challengers or threats were neutralized. Like many dictatorships or despotic governments there was enormous emphasis on the military but again, Cyrus managed to create such loyalty among his citizens that they all wanted to fight alongside him and for him.
The positive views on despotism shown by the author in this theme are unusual because this is not something that is generally viewed in a positive light in the annals of history, which makes not only the entire book, but the theme, stand out as an unusual political and philosophical statement.
