First is usually the passions of the masses are inflamed by political rhetoric. The masses are enamored by what they hear and don't really take the time, or have the means to decipher the message.
Then, as in the case of Ven and Zim, the rich man is “punished” and corporations are nationalized..”for the good of all.” Again the masses roar their approval. Dissent is stamped out.
But suddenly, the masses become the target. There is no economy, no place to live (Mugabe leveled the shanty towns), no food and wide spread disease.
How can an unarmed, starved, sick, demoralized people fight?
And why would a despotic ruler desire such a thing?
Mugabe inflicted this on an ignorant populace. It could happen in any country. Even an “educated” one.
Yes.
But, people, even poor ones, have the power to take their countries back. Call a national strike and go take the leader out en masse. Not much any “leader” can do about that.