Does authoritarian symbolism explain Imperial military choices?

Does the Galactic Empire reflect the tendency of authoritarian regimes to abandon military reason for symbolism and party politics?

Partly, but symbolism does not eliminate the need for an organized chain of command beneath the ruler, especially during a major fleet battle.

Authoritarian regimes can subordinate military judgment to symbols and political control. Sith empires in the setting have nevertheless administered large states with considerable organization. Even a highly personal regime needs admirals and subordinate commanders to direct a battle when the ruler is occupied. The political explanation may clarify why prestige ships are built, but it does not explain why the fleet lacks a functioning operational hierarchy. Civil-military context still has to account for the practical demands of command at sea or in space.