In the face of instability, established authorities will by default choose the transition path most likely to hurt a lot of people.
For example, the "ostrich" transition. Ackoff called it "inactivism." Putting your head in the sand and hoping the problems go away. It's a failure to avoid avoidable dangers.
The "back to the good old days" transition. "Reactivism." Trying to recreate a perfect version of the past, which never existed.
The "new shiny" transition. "Preactivism." Exploiting a future that doesn't exist (and won't happen as fantasized), destroying the present in the process.
Patterns... repeated over and over... hurting a lot of people in the process. Likely, but not inevitable.
You might recognize which path you're on early. You might willfully, courageously lead the departure. You might willfully, courageously gather enough people to depart.
You might help fewer people get hurt.