Greek state set back by strikes (6)
I believe the answer is:
sparta
'greek state' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'set back by strikes' is the wordplay.
'set back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'by' becomes 'at'.
'strikes' becomes 'raps' (rapping is a kind of striking).
'at'+'raps'='atraps'
'atraps' in reverse letter order is 'SPARTA'.
(Other definitions for sparta that I've seen before include "Rival of Athens during the Peloponnesian Wars" , "Ancient Greek city whose citizens were noted for hardiness" , "Ancient kingdom renowned for asceticism" , "Ancient Greek city noted for its austerity" , "Where to find ancient Greek" .)