the question of whether the eclipse of the state is likely and, if so, what the consequences of such an institutional shift would be, takes precedence.

밑줄부터 문장구조가 어떻게 되가는지 감이 안잡히네요. is 와 takes가 병치된건가요? 그럼 what절은 왜 갑툭튀한거죠 ㅜㅜ..