The common misconception I feel made by outsiders is that Caldari citizens are somehow coerced or tricked in the State to serve it. The notion that the Caldari State represents what its citizens want and their service to it is voluntary and complicit is anathema to such people.
I think fundamentally there are aspects of Caldari history and culture told through our stories and traditions such as the survivalism required to live on an inhospitable world, and the anarchy of war both pre and post Raata Empire that informs a certain perspective.
That without a strong central authority under a singular sovereign in which is invested the power to rule then the result is humans versus humans fighting each other over limited resources and in which the fear of violent death at the hands of another becomes a reality for there is only chaos and anarchy.
As such, I think the Caldari State is a Caldari formulation of a peaceful commonwealth where its citizens do not have to fear anarchy, violence or death. It is however a peace and prosperity ensured only through strong political authority and the singular leadership of corporate executives.