In a hierarchical world the cohesive authority group has the edge over a loose agglomeration of individuals. In a networked world the scales may be reversed. The loose agglomeration have a far higher capacity to reorganise themselves and the authority starts to look less surefooted.
Case in point, perhaps: this funny video. Protesting students were confounded by the police tactic of kettling: essentially, finding the large group of protesters and blocking them in place until they run out of steam. But, days later, the students are able to implement a new strategy and suddenly they make the police look a bit foolish (at least with the crafty addition of some Benny HIll music.)
(Click here if you can’t see the video embedded.)
Hat tip: Political Scrapbook.
