I’d pick neither, but of course there is no pick. Totalitarianism would/will entail extermination of portions of the population, while still attempting to sustain order. The chattel ranchers aim to cull the the least amount of the herd and sustain the most benefits for their “tribes” (the avaricious class). If they fail, and it is just as likely they will, as will not, then societal/economic collapse will occur. Once the Tower of Babel fails, if the failure is to the extent that communication (long distance commerce) fails, then it would be chaos and transactions for life’s necessities would cease for almost all urban dwellers. No banks open, digital dollars worthless, no meat from Chicago’s stockyards shipped without tangible payment arraignments. Same for all food and medicines. However if totalitarianism develops, before our society completely fails, black markets would emerge where commerce could still function. Silver, copper, whiskey, gold, etc., would function as currency. The extent of the corruption in America is fatal. It has permeated, metastasized, and perverted the survivability for most of our population already.
You might be right, but I don’t think within our lifetimes. I suggest if you dislike that outcome, work on ways to make a better world between now and then.
I’m a senior citizen. I’ve watched the downfall of America for decades. I see that America is already at the beginning a of a cataclysmic depression, and that before this year is over everyone is going to know that we are in a great depression. The extent of how bad things really are is being hidden by a plethora of persistent lying by media and government, but I’m putting my money on the narrative failing this year. As Dave Collum says, the further from equilibrium, the more violent the correction.
if you think of a smart handsome athletic 1st born son who is celebrated at every turn and gets whatever he wants…thats his mantra, when he gets to middle/old age he will often still believe it, he knows no other relationship to the world. Except the world has moved on, and he has not had the wisdom to adjust, or anticipate the needs and aspirations of others. He can’t understand why people don’t bend to his will.
In UK slide has started earlier… about 1997 with Blair. Now Starmer couldnt even lie via media(and some in place live theatrical appearances in Stockport eg) enough, so they are making more nazi/soviet union/1984 free speech banning legislation. No doubt as reaction to government loosing their grip and lies cannot be lied anymore. US has this path soon if economy takes nosedive and narrative failing for last one of US citizens.