Political Connection?

"The flying or floating island is exactly circular; its diameter 7837 yards, or about four miles and half, and consequently contains ten thousand acres. It is three hundred yards thick. The bottom, or under surface, which appears to those who view it from below is one even regular plate of adamant shooting up to the height of about to hundred yards".... (Page 161)

"If any town should engage in Rebellion or mutiny, fall into violent factions, or refuse to pay the usual tribute; the king hath two methods of reducing them to obedience. The first and the mildest course is by keeping the island hovering over such a town, and the lands about it; whereby he can deprive them of the benefit of the sun and the Rain, and consequently afflict the inhabitants with dearth and diseases."...(Page 164).

The first passage almost unnecessarily goes into detail about the island. It seems as though the passage is almost comical with how much is said, why would Gulliver know this much about the island? And if he does, what are the other motives behind it. It seems as though Swift might be poking fun at something, perhaps his opinion of the ridiculousness of the British monarchy?

Regarding the second passage, the power that the King has over his people is tyrannical. If anyone even goes against the wishes of the King, they will be punished. A big brother situation develops where it seems the King is watching every move, and with every move repercussions are given. What is this saying about  British power at that time? Is Swift taking note about the British power over other countries around the world, perhaps India or Ireland?