The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority

1. The Public's Revolt is a Global Phenomenon

Nations which a little time ago responded to a single despotic will now tremble on the edge of disintegration.

Worldwide unrest. The "revolt of the public" isn't confined to one nation or political system; it's a global trend. From the Arab Spring to Brexit to the election of Donald Trump, people across the world are expressing their dissatisfaction with established institutions and leaders. This widespread unrest signals a fundamental shift in the relationship between the governed and those in power.

Common threads. Despite their diverse contexts, these revolts share common characteristics:

• A rejection of traditional authority
• A reliance on new information technologies for organization and communication
• A sense of alienation from the political process
• A desire for radical change

Beyond politics. This revolt extends beyond the political sphere, impacting business, science, and other areas of life. The public is questioning the authority of experts and demanding greater transparency and accountability across all sectors.

2. Information Technology Fuels the Revolt

When digital magic transformed information consumers into producers, an established order—grand hierarchies of power and money and learning—went into crisis.

Democratization of information. The internet and social media have empowered ordinary people to become producers and distributors of information, challenging the traditional dominance of elites and institutions. This has led to a more fragmented and contested information landscape, where it's harder to control the narrative.

New forms of organization. Digital technologies have enabled the formation of "vital communities" and networks that can mobilize quickly and effectively around shared interests or grievances. These networks often operate outside the control of traditional organizations, making them difficult to manage or influence.

Visual over text. The rise of social media has also led to the triumph of the image over the printed word. Visual content, such as photos and videos, can be more powerful and persuasive than text-based arguments, particularly in mobilizing emotions and shaping public opinion.

3. Authority is Eroding Across All Sectors

Once the monopoly on information is lost, so too is our trust.

Loss of trust. As the public gains access to more information and alternative viewpoints, trust in traditional sources of authority—government, media, corporations, experts—declines. This erosion of trust makes it harder for institutions to maintain their legitimacy and effectiveness.

Challenging expertise. The public is increasingly skeptical of experts and professionals, questioning their motives and qualifications. This has led to a rise in "citizen science" and other forms of participatory knowledge production, where ordinary people contribute to research and analysis.

Corporate vulnerability. Companies are also facing greater scrutiny and accountability from the public, thanks to social media and online reviews. A single negative incident can quickly go viral, damaging a company's reputation and bottom line.

4. Distrust is the New Normal

We are caught between an old world which is decreasingly able to sustain us intellectually and spiritually, maybe even materially, and a new world that has not yet been born.

Erosion of faith. The decline in trust has created a climate of cynicism and skepticism, where people are less likely to believe in the promises of politicians or the pronouncements of experts. This makes it harder to build consensus and address complex social problems.

Polarization and fragmentation. Distrust fuels polarization, as people retreat into echo chambers and filter bubbles where their existing beliefs are reinforced. This makes it harder to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground.

The dictator's dilemma. Authoritarian regimes face a difficult choice: restrict information to maintain control, or allow greater openness to promote economic growth. This dilemma highlights the tension between security and prosperity in the digital age.

5. Democracy is in Peril

I am writing this book because I fear that many structures I value from the old way, including liberal democracy, and many possibilities glimmering in the new way, such as enlarging the circle of personal freedom, may be ground to dust in that sterile back-and-forth.

Erosion of democratic norms. The rise of populism and extremism threatens the norms and institutions that underpin liberal democracy, such as respect for the rule of law, freedom of the press, and the peaceful transfer of power.

Rise of illiberalism. In many countries, democratically elected leaders are embracing illiberal policies that undermine civil liberties, target minority groups, and consolidate power in the hands of the executive branch.

Voter alienation. Citizens are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the political process, leading to lower voter turnout and a sense that their voices don't matter. This can create a vicious cycle, where declining participation further weakens the legitimacy of democratic institutions.

6. Nihilism Threatens to Consume Society

Where hierarchy has evolved a hard exoskeleton to keep every part in place, the network is loose and pliable—it can swell into millions or dissipate in an instant.

Destructive impulse. The revolt of the public can devolve into nihilism, a belief that the existing order is so corrupt and irredeemable that destruction is the only path forward. This can lead to violence, extremism, and a rejection of all forms of authority.

Loss of meaning. Nihilism is often rooted in a sense of meaninglessness and alienation, a feeling that life lacks purpose or value. This can be exacerbated by the constant bombardment of negative information and the erosion of traditional sources of meaning, such as religion and community.

The void. The author warns that the public's power to tear down existing structures is not matched by an ability to build something better in their place. This can lead to a dangerous vacuum, where chaos and instability prevail.

7. Elites Must Re-Evaluate Their Role

Elites will have to cede authority and permit more local variation and experimentation.

Ceding authority. To avoid the extremes of disintegration and repression, elites must be willing to cede some authority and allow for greater local variation and experimentation. This means embracing decentralization and empowering communities to solve their own problems.

Embracing humility. Elites must also be more humble and transparent, acknowledging their limitations and admitting their mistakes. This can help rebuild trust and foster a more collaborative relationship with the public.

Constructive engagement. Rather than simply condemning or dismissing the public's concerns, elites should engage in constructive dialogue and seek to understand their perspectives. This can help bridge the gap between the governed and those in power.

8. The Personal Sphere is Key to Meaning

The question was who or what determined that level. Every possible answer spelled misery for the daily newspaper, but the pathologies involved, I thought, reached far deeper than one particular mode of peddling information, and implicated the relationship between elites and non-elites, between authority and obedience.

Local focus. In a world of global crises and abstract ideologies, it's important to focus on the personal sphere: family, friends, community. These are the areas where we have the most direct influence and can make the most meaningful impact.

Practical knowledge. Instead of relying on experts or grand theories, prioritize practical knowledge and skills that can help you navigate everyday life. This might involve learning a trade, developing a hobby, or simply becoming more self-sufficient.

Personal responsibility. Take responsibility for your own actions and choices, rather than blaming external forces or waiting for someone else to solve your problems. This can help you regain a sense of agency and control in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.

9. Trump and Brexit: Symptoms, Not Causes

But Martin Gurri’s analysis is the most credible, because he locates it within a trend affecting much more than just one election in the United States.

Underlying trends. The election of Donald Trump and the Brexit vote were not isolated events, but rather symptoms of deeper trends affecting societies around the world. These trends include the revolt of the public, the erosion of authority, and the rise of nihilism.

Beyond personalities. Focusing solely on individual leaders or events can obscure the underlying forces that are shaping our world. It's important to look beyond personalities and analyze the broader social, economic, and technological factors that are driving change.

Systemic issues. Trump and Brexit are not the causes of our problems, but rather manifestations of systemic issues that need to be addressed. These issues include economic inequality, political polarization, and the decline of trust in institutions.

10. The Future is Uncertain, But Action is Essential

I am no prophet, myself. Among the claims I make in this book is that the future is, and must be, opaque, even to the cleverest observer.

Embrace uncertainty. The future is inherently unpredictable, and we should avoid the temptation to make grand pronouncements or predictions. Instead, we should focus on understanding the present and preparing for a range of possible outcomes.

Take action. Despite the uncertainty, it's important to take action and work towards a better future. This might involve engaging in political activism, supporting community initiatives, or simply making positive changes in your own life.

Hope and resilience. Even in the face of daunting challenges, it's important to maintain hope and resilience. By focusing on what we can control and working together to build a more just and equitable world, we can create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Last updated: February 23, 2025