The problem is as usual the culture. If most of the people truly don't want this then it's just a matter of time until they do mass protests/revolt, etc.
However, if the government manages to control everything quickly - Putin-style - and then through the brain-washing mass-media manages to change the culture and make people believe that what they are doing is good and right, then yeah, you're screwed. Look at China - most people there seem to actually believe that "censorship works" in "keeping the society united" or whatever bullshit the government is feeding them.
That's the real danger. Not some random dictator coming to power. But a change of culture and beliefs in the population.
However, if the government manages to control everything quickly - Putin-style - and then through the brain-washing mass-media manages to change the culture and make people believe that what they are doing is good and right, then yeah, you're screwed. Look at China - most people there seem to actually believe that "censorship works" in "keeping the society united" or whatever bullshit the government is feeding them.
That's the real danger. Not some random dictator coming to power. But a change of culture and beliefs in the population.