I think I saw that implied unexpected twist in NEO-Scavenger, actually. There are newspaper headlines from before the collapse (which was related to a supernatural force of belief being real causing fears to manifest). They mentioned a Chinese Supersoldier Rebellion that had overthrown their government creators, I guess paired hyperintelligence and courage are the last things you want in a populace as an oligarchy or dictatorship as they will see things going wrong and won't be afraid to risk their lives righting it effectively.