As we prepare for the emergence of the next generation of apocalyptic weapons, it needs to be acknowledged that the world's democracies are set to face their gravest challenge yet as viable and ongoing political options. George Dvorsky, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies and blogs at Sentient Developments, presents on how given these high stakes situations, democratic institutions may not be given the chance to prevent catastrophes or deal with actual crises.