
Alexander the Great: Soldier, Priest, and God. Interview with Professor Fred Naiden
Tides of History
In Times of Weakness, Power Shifts to the Strong
The passage draws a parallel between historical periods of leadership vacuums and the resulting governance by military figures when political institutions are weak. It cites the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination, where Union Army generals effectively governed the South, and the interim leadership of Cromwell's generals following his death in England. This illustrates that when traditional authority is compromised, capable military leadership can emerge, filling the power void and shaping the course of governance. The implication is that in a situation where the monarchy lacks strength, authority may shift to those with military prowess, demonstrating a crucial interplay between political institutions and military power.