Under the theory of the "Aristos", nowadays those claiming for strong authoritarianism (dictatorships) are having a hard time...
The shifts on power depends on how many are entitle and capable to have it; a society of ignorants rather go to authoritarian paternalistic figures, as they will have a hard time either to rule or even to find a ruler, a society where almost anyone is suitable to rule however doesn't need political abuses as they've no real issue on replace abusive rulers.
Just like a "market", the more "merchandise" you've, the cheaper it gets.
@Findeton:
Saludos y fuerza desde Portugal. Ya escribí sobre la Democracia Participativa/Semi-Directa (la directa no es practica, no te puedes seguir votando a todo el momento ya que así ningun@ hacia nada más que votar) en el 12 de Marzo, fue una idea que gaño fuerza en Portugal también. A ver, se Iberia se mueve!