"Imagine this: A tech guy has revolutionized the world with an innovation that unleashes unimaginable productivity, and brought himself unimaginable wealth. An imperial president, empowered by the Supreme Court to wield unchecked authority, seeks a third term in office, or else to pass the reins on to his son. Congress has been reduced to little more than a rubber stamp for the president and a trading floor for business transactions."
"Things bump along under this order, until twin calamities produce a crisis. First, the president sparks a global backlash against the United States by starting an ill-judged trade war due to suspected business interests and a long-standing grudge against England. Second, the new technology suddenly fails to deliver its benefits. A presidential election unfolds amid the ensuing economic collapse. The Democratic and Socialist Parties, long thought dead, begin to organize and challenge the president. The union seems newly fragile; New England considers seceding."
A revolutionary technology yields unprecedented productivity and massive private wealth for its inventor. An emboldened president, backed by an empowered Supreme Court, seeks a third term or dynastic succession. Congress functions mainly as a rubber stamp and venue for business deals. A trade war triggered by presidential interests and a sudden collapse of the new technology produce economic crisis. Opposition parties revive and secessionist sentiment emerges. The president represses opponents through force and property seizures and deploys the military. The tech magnate buys distressed assets, stabilizes markets, amasses more wealth, and becomes a central political contender amid chaotic, contested elections.
Read at The Atlantic
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