As: once you have centralized the $-power in say, 1-3% of the population? -- or in Russia's case, perhaps more like .01% -- the transition from there to dictatorship requires only a trivial amount of confiscation, jailing without habeas corpus and activities many here may already be familiar with. Of course too, it can't hurt when your 'media' are already centralized and regularly offer govt. press releases in former 'news' spots.. (as in trends some may have seen in other countries).

Now re the huge transfer and concentration of US wealth in recent years.. I wouldn't dream of making a comparison of probabilities. Clearly our spreadsheets are better organized and our media ever vigilant for any extra-Constitutional actions by our government. This goes without saying. In any media.

Of course, we also possess the concepts of.. a dry run, as well as of, a joint-venture. (Our President has expressed his affection and personal Trust of Mr. P. But I'm sure that was just a demonstration of his renowned Statesmanship, long-term strategizing in any undertaking, and subtle tactics.)