Well, namely Republican Italy which was key to the development I suppose. Would a Byzantine Italy where they control at least parts or the majority of Italy lead to the butter flying of Republicanism?
I am somewhat inclined to not believe so simply due to I view the Byzantines as fallible. Even in the case of a surviving Byzantine Empire their control on Italy would ALWAYS be contested and a movement to exert direct control would be hard pressesed. The Exarchs and Doux would be the basis of Autonomy and Republicanism as similarly to Venice's development.
I am somewhat inclined to not believe so simply due to I view the Byzantines as fallible. Even in the case of a surviving Byzantine Empire their control on Italy would ALWAYS be contested and a movement to exert direct control would be hard pressesed. The Exarchs and Doux would be the basis of Autonomy and Republicanism as similarly to Venice's development.