Warning: Spoilers for Andor Season 1
The Empire being a fascist authoritarian government in Star Wars has never been a subtle theme. An empire ruling with an iron fist, staffed by SS-inspired officers in slick grey uniforms and stormtroopers hunting rebels and partisans makes for a rather clear real world parallell. The central theme for the Original Trilogy’s Empire is fear. Darth Vader is a terrifying cyborg who can kill with his mind. The Death Star, the imminent threat of an entire world at a moments notice.
“Fear will keep them in line”
Grand Moff Tarkin