The Shocking Truth: How Mon Mothma & The New Republic Let the Empire Stage Its Comeback!

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 3.

Summary

The New Republic is open to accepting former Imperial officers and soldiers, even at the risk of ineffectiveness and corruption.

While New Republic politicians choose to overlook the ominous events occurring in the Outer Rim, their forces on the ground are well aware of the looming dangers.

Chancellor Mon Mothma takes full responsibility for the failures of the New Republic, despite her sincere intention of creating a genuine democratic governing body.

In episode 3 of Ahsoka, we witness the comeback of Chancellor Mon Mothma and the New Republic, who demonstrate a willingness to grant the Empire an opportunity to reemerge. Portrayed as ineffective and corrupted in Season 3 of The Mandalorian, the New Republic has already shown vulnerability to infiltration by loyalists of the Empire. By implementing a special amnesty program for former Imperial officers and soldiers, the New Republic authorities at all levels accept the assistance of those who once oppressed them, further weakening an already struggling government.

The New Republic's presence on the ground acknowledges suspicious activities in the Outer Rim, but politicians choose to ignore them. Adelphi squadron's fighter pilots have encountered Moff Gideon's Imperial Remnant, with Carson Teva confirming that their leader escaped custody. The release of Morgan Elsbeth from her New Republic captors further exposes the government's incompetence, creating opportunities for individuals like Din Djarin to pursue contract work. Nevertheless, the New Republic's shortcomings ultimately lie with their leadership, specifically Mon Mothma, who takes full responsibility for the government's ineffectiveness despite having good intentions.

Mon Mothma Is Determined To Run A Democracy, Not An Empire

Chancellor Mon Mothma differs greatly from her predecessor, Emperor Palpatine. While Palpatine sought unlimited power, Mothma approaches her role with a commitment to public service and a genuine desire to govern the New Republic democratically. Throughout the Clone Wars, Palpatine steadily grew his authority as chancellor, eventually assuming the position of Emperor without resistance. In contrast, Mothma envisions a prosperous New Republic but is unwilling to compromise the importance of hearing the voices of all its citizens.

Nevertheless, this principled stance comes at a significant cost for the chancellor. As demonstrated by the other senators in Ahsoka episode 3, not all members within the New Republic possess the same level of competence as Mothma. Consequently, she often has to suppress her own opinions on critical matters, such as the pursuit of Grand Admiral Thrawn, despite knowing the inherent risks of disregarding this potential threat. Mothma is compelled to listen to the representatives and their constituents, distinguishing herself from Palpatine's tyrannical style of governance.

The New Republic Fears Another War

Following the Galactic Civil War by only four years, the New Republic is determined to prevent any future conflicts. Despite the Empire's ultimate defeat at the Battle of Jakku, the galaxy appears to have achieved peace. While signs of a resurgent Imperial Remnant are dismissed by New Republic senators, the government would suffer a loss of credibility if it were to declare war so soon after the previous fight for freedom.

Mon Mothma, in contrast to many of her colleagues, was significantly more involved in the war effort. Hera Syndulla acknowledges this fact. While Mothma hid as a leader of the Rebel Alliance, many individuals associated with the New Republic sought to avoid becoming embroiled in the conflict. The New Republic's fear of another war stems from a certain degree of cowardice, as those who observed the battles of the Galactic Civil War from a distance are ill-prepared for a full-scale conflict. War veterans are willing to sacrifice their lives to see their cause succeed, but the government's hesitancy to take action brings everything to a standstill.

The Empire Has Fooled The New Republic Into Believing It's Divided

Believing that the remnants of the Empire are now just scattered warlords, the New Republic sees them as an insignificant threat. Little do they know, the Imperial Remnant operates covertly under a secret Shadow Council. Each warlord contributes resources to meticulously planned assaults on the heart of the New Republic. In the upcoming season of The Mandalorian, it is revealed that the Shadow Council is already united, though lacking a central authoritative leader. Moff Gideon tries to claim this position, but the true restoration of the Imperial fleet will come with the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Once Thrawn emerges from his exile in a distant galaxy, the Seventh Fleet will be ready to launch an attack on the New Republic. With the element of surprise on their side, Thrawn and the Shadow Council can utilize their combined resources to execute precise strikes, exploiting weaknesses in the New Republic's amnesty program. An Imperial Remnant that has spent years plotting an assault, now unified under Thrawn's command, will cause significant devastation.

Everyone Thinks Hera Is Obsessed With Thrawn & Ezra

General Hera Syndulla's alleged fixation on finding the missing Jedi Ezra Bridger, rather than prioritizing the New Republic's needs, adds complexity to the situation. Senator Hamato Xiono challenges Hera's claims of Thrawn's imminent return, suspecting her true motive to be acquiring resources for a personal mission. With Hera's report difficult to substantiate, Mon Mothma and the New Republic senators choose not to support a reconnaissance mission to Seatos.

Though the New Republic's decision may be seen as cowardly, it is understandable due to the lack of evidence. Even Ahsoka Tano's testimony may not have been sufficient, but Huyang's thorough scans of the Eye of Sion will make it hard to ignore the situation. Despite Hera's demonstrated dedication to the Rebellion in the years following Kanan Jarrus' death and Ezra's disappearance, her superiors perceive her pursuit as an obsession. Regardless of orders, Hera is likely to embark on the hunt for Thrawn and Ezra aboard the Ghost, with or without Mon Mothma and the New Republic's approval. However, by the time she returns, it may already be too late.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.