The Dark Side of the New Republic: 5 Major Mistakes in Star Wars
The New Republic made grave mistakes that ultimately led to their downfall in the Star Wars galaxy From demilitarization to letting the First Order gain power, their missteps cannot be fully blamed on the Dark Side
The New Republic was intended to bring about a new era of peace and prosperity in the wake of the oppressive rule of the Galactic Empire. However, as evidenced by recent Expanded Universe stories, this governing body proved to be one of the least effective in Star Wars history. The New Republic failed to establish a unified front, and their inability to learn from past mistakes ultimately led to the resurgence of the Empire in the form of the First Order. Despite having all the advantages, the New Republic ultimately failed to deliver on their promise, resulting in the events of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
5 Demilitarization
After the Galactic Civil War, Mon Mothma and other Rebel leaders proposed downsizing or disbanding the military, resulting in a weak military power for the New Republic. While this move may have seemed like a step towards achieving a peaceful society, it actually had the opposite effect. Failing to learn from the mistakes of the past, the New Republic's decision to have no standing army left them powerless to enforce laws or protect against potential threats both foreign and domestic. This decision proved to be a grave mistake, as it left the foundation of the New Republic vulnerable to potential disasters.
4 Lack Of Awareness
The New Republic's lack of interest in the space beyond its own territory left it vulnerable and exposed. Even when pilots reported suspicious activity in the Outer Rim, the higher-ups failed to take action or follow up on the reports. This shortsighted approach not only made the New Republic susceptible to attacks, but also demonstrated a lack of awareness and preparedness. In reality, countries keep an eye on their distant neighbors in order to anticipate any potential threats and take necessary action through diplomacy or force. By purposely ignoring this, the New Republic created a significant blind spot and essentially invited invasion.
3 Putting The Resistance Out To Pasture
The Resistance's unofficial status as a private militia created a problematic situation for both the organization and the New Republic. On one hand, the government's lack of affiliation with the group undermined their commitment to maintaining peace and order. Meanwhile, rumors of government funding made the Resistance appear corrupt. On the other hand, the Resistance lacked the necessary funding and authority to effectively achieve their goals. Ultimately, this lack of support allowed the First Order to grow and thrive in secrecy, highlighting the consequences of the New Republic's indecisiveness.
2 Letting Mas Amedda Go Free
He has a striking resemblance to the Devil, and his allegiance lies directly with the Star Wars equivalent of such a figure. As the Grand Vizier to Chancellor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, Mas Amedda remained a loyal right-hand man throughout his reign, even after the establishment of the Empire. This granted him access to many of Palpatine's dark dealings, both in politics and as a Sith Lord. Despite surrendering on behalf of the Empire following his master's death, Amedda was not held accountable for his complicity in countless heinous crimes. Instead, he was reinstated as the head of the provisional government on Coruscant, albeit as a mere puppet ruler, where he continued to sell the Emperor's propaganda to the public.
Amedda's past actions and behavior suggest that he cannot be trusted with any level of power, be it provisional or otherwise. His previous involvement with the Imperial regime may have left him with a persistent desire for authority and control. Allowing him to hold a political position would be a grave mistake, as he could use his influence to subtly push for the return of the Empire. Moreover, Amedda's close association with Palpatine's manipulations could give him access to invaluable knowledge that could be exploited to thwart the efforts of the New Republic.
1 Letting The First Order Flourish
The aftermath of the Rebels' victory over the Empire was not as straightforward as many had hoped. The New Republic's decision to leave the conflict unfinished proved to be a grave mistake. Countless Imperials still held positions of power and influence, and the remnants of the Empire were far from defeated. With their resources intact, they were able to regroup and continue their mission to restore their once-powerful regime.
The formation of the First Order from the remnants of the Empire could have been prevented if the New Republic had taken stronger action. Instead of allowing former Empire members to regroup, the Rebels should have pursued and apprehended them for their war crimes. This would have served as a demonstration of the new government's commitment to justice and deterred future attempts at regrouping by limiting their numbers. The Allies set parameters to maintain peace after World War II, and the New Republic should have followed suit.
