Nitpicky, but I am curious about the grammar. Your sentence reads well, but I wonder if "If the republic WAS" is better grammar, since it is a singular object.
“Your sentence reads well, but I wonder if “If the republic WAS” is better grammar, since it is a singular object.”
“Were” is correct. It isn’t about the singular object. He is positing a situation that may or may not exist. Is the republic in danger? Opinions vary. When you’re just supposing, the correct tense is the subjunctive.
“If I were you, I would ask for a raise” is the same construction. I’m not you. Contrary to fact. But if I WERE you, here’s what I would do.