Polities cannot function without shared consensus, even autocratic ones

Evidence

The other is political and social—the breakdown of consensus, of that generally accepted set of rules and principles by which a polity works and without which a society cannot function, even under autocratic government. The breakup of the Soviet Union exemplifies the consequences of such a loss of consensus, and the difficulties and dangers of creating a new one. — Bernard Lewis, From Babel to Dragomans, 1158

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Every consensus stabilizes irreducible chaos, and permanent stability would end politics — Chantal Mouffe, The Democratic Paradox, 586; Unanimous consent is practically impossible, so majority rule is a practical necessity. — John Locke, Second Treatise of Government, 116; No political consensus could exist free of exclusion — Chantal Mouffe, The Democratic Paradox, 139 (+1 more)