You have the etymology of “civilization” somewhat reversed, with all due respect. In Latin, “civitas” did not refer to cities (the word thereof being “urbs”) but civil society as defined by law and order versus barbarity (anarchy and disorder).
Civil societies eventually become cities. And the word comes from “citizen” i.e. the member of a city. Initially it meant town.
Every civilization of which I am aware had big cities at their core. They fell apart when the cities were destroyed.
It was the cities which allowed a civil society to develop even agriculture was created in towns and cities.
Since the world and nation are becoming more urbanized and less rural, it is critical for the GOP to find a way to be more attractive to urban dwellers. If it doesn’t it will eventually become extinct.