The constructors decided to make the statue as large as possible to try to dissuade the government from dismantling it: the government would either have to destroy the statue--an action which would potentially fuel further criticism of its policies--or leave it standing.
The constructors decided to make the statue as large as possible to try to dissuade the government from dismantling it. The government would either have to destroy the statue--an action --. This action would potentially fuel further criticism of its policies. The government would either leave it standing.