Yes, it's important to remember that in the modern world, states often transition between a variety of forms. The common forms are representative democracy, mil

Yes, it's important to remember that in the modern world, states often transition between a variety of forms. The common forms are representative democracy, military dictatorship, populist/strongman dictatorship (which can be formally democratic to whatever extent) and single-party "totalitarian" dictatorship but there are endless variations. All these are based on particular power groups and only partially relying on the consent of the governed - while also organizing the governed to give their consent, with represent democracy naturally relying most on the consent of the consent of the governed.