Re:Ask HN: What other low-probability high-impact events are...
by timwiseman on Tuesday June 15, 2010 @03:39PM
(#1433640)
Sadly, that is not crazy. Remember it was not that long ago in historical terms that fascism did hold a Western country.
Even now, while it is unlikely, it is very possible for it to happen. It is even possible for it to happen through the democratic process (in fact, that may be more likely with the current makeup of the West). People tend to turn to absolutes when they become desperate and it is quite forseeable that some combination of economic, military, political, or natural disasters will make some country so desperate they will once again try anything.
Even now, while it is unlikely, it is very possible for it to happen. It is even possible for it to happen through the democratic process (in fact, that may be more likely with the current makeup of the West). People tend to turn to absolutes when they become desperate and it is quite forseeable that some combination of economic, military, political, or natural disasters will make some country so desperate they will once again try anything.