"This has led to a widespread unease and distrust among their voters, and a subsequent weakening of their governmental controls and regulations." Yet, somehow,

"This has led to a widespread unease and distrust among their voters, and a subsequent weakening of their governmental controls and regulations." Yet, somehow, living in one of such "western" governed places, I don't feel that there is less governmental control than before. To give you two examples, I remember a time when digital fingerprinting of civilians was mandated only in a criminal context, but now one has to be fingerprinted just to get an ID (passport). Not long ago one could make easy anonymous calls (think of whistleblowing or whatnot). Not anymore, as the public phones aren't around any more and since not so long ago getting a cell phone number requires revealing one's identity. These may be anecdotal, but still.