I sense an messianic tale that includes an Anti Christ figure pre emerging, as part of your scenario.
Certainly I agree that just as markets show that the herd mentality still prevails, and the populace in general is so fed up with numbskulls, that anyone with a hint of charm and intelligence could captivate vast support, not that that didn't always work.
So if anything I think a dictator can be easily elected initially.
Any such apocalyptic development will probably be well deserved. Anytime self interest comes before democracy or freewill and free speech becomes subservient to "law and order", then the gates are open wide to the jailer.
At least not in my time I trust and those who see beyond their own horizons.
