Alcibiades, an Athenian general, struggled with controlling his passion-driven endeavors and his gigantic ego, which may have seemed to be the major catalyst in his betrayal of Athens (Syse, 2006). His military reputation abounded, which suggests, what may be more threatening, his commitment or military intellect (Zabecki, 2011). Within the Peloponnesian war, Alcibiades represented that as an ambitious traitor to aid Sparta in battle (Zabecki, 2011). This transition reflects a leader's ambitions to preside over the commitment to their nation's morals and ideologies (Syse, 2006). Additionally, this goes hand and hand with the struggles between the battling oligarchic and democratic ideals within ancient Greece and Athens. The struggles of Athenian democracy seemingly steamed from their leaders' ambitions (Syse, 2006). As they sought power, one can see the ease of betraying one's country and ideals for a role that brings more accolades and a promising ego boost. Although Athens longed for their desired independent democratic republic, their leaders' rooting was dismantled to conclude their true commitment to be lost in ambition (Zabecki, 2011). Scenarios similar to these, displayed in ancient history, can be ultimately applied to modern history. One can question their nation's ideals and their leader's true commitment to the thriving nation and its ideals.
Syse, Henrik. “Plato, Thucydides, and the Education of Alcibiades.” Journal of Military Ethics, vol. 5, no. 4, 2006, pp. 290–302. Crossref, doi:10.1080/15027570601081044.
Zabecki, David T. “The Great Greek Turncoat.” Military History, vol. 27, no. 5, Jan. 2011, pp. 42–51. EBSCOhost, ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=54945367&site=ehost-live&scope=site.