I think that with current political direction of the "liberal" West, in connection with technical advancements, such as AI, the mankind is on path to become the Borg civilization from Star Trek: all private property abolished, any shred of individuality stripped, any non-conformant thought policed, everybody connected to the central hub through their smartphone (which soon will get direct mind-reading capabilities).
current governments in big/not-failed countries are way too powerful, so any idea that "people decide" is from an old age.
they just want you to continue to believe this, so they keep the sheep and you think you live in a good ole western democracy, while you're not