Just a thought, though, OP: There are various small groups of elites in conflict with each other, manipulating the masses back and forth. It's why sometimes, the "good guys" win...because the group of elites you're ideologically inclined through natural inclination or propaganda to support, triumph over the other competing groups of elites.
The Iron Law of Oligarchy is in play here. No such 3rd way exists, unless we are talking about a national divorce and devolution of power to more local units of governance where you can make yourself an elite. In which case supra-national entities are more powerful than they should be because of the tragedy of the commons.
Just a thought, though, OP: There are various small groups of elites in conflict with each other, manipulating the masses back and forth. It's why sometimes, the "good guys" win...because the group of elites you're ideologically inclined through natural inclination or propaganda to support, triumph over the other competing groups of elites.
The Iron Law of Oligarchy is in play here. No such 3rd way exists, unless we are talking about a national divorce and devolution of power to more local units of governance where you can make yourself an elite. In which case supra-national entities are more powerful than they should be because of the tragedy of the commons.