Given the opacity of the system, there is no way of telling how and when such a breakdown might occur except to observe that is likely to be precipitated by an economic crisis of some kind. Moreover, there is no way to tell whether a crisis would produce a relatively smooth transition towards democracy or something more chaotic and perhaps bloody.

A collapse in the existing order, accompanied by an upsurge of demands for democratization would certainly be a prime example of “disruptive innovation.” But perhaps those who throw this phrase about should be careful what they wish for.

Image from the World Economic Forum