The (largely theoretical) argument is asymmetric warfare where the dictator and their family/sycophants/officers need to be constantly preoccupied with a credib

The (largely theoretical) argument is asymmetric warfare where the dictator and their family/sycophants/officers need to be constantly preoccupied with a credible threat of an assassin around every corner. This asymmetric warfare is then sufficiently destabilizing that (when combined with sanctions and external pressure) it leads to a successful overthrow. Of course, it's not realistic that the civilian populace will be capable of engaging in open-field combat with the military.