Variations of this tactic (disrupt the leader before they create a useful coalition) used to be called COINTELPRO[1]. The methods used changed as technology changed, but the core tactic is still used in many places. GCHQ even has an entire department dedicated to this type of disruption: JTRIG[2].
> then it has truly horrific consequences for social organization and the peaceful transition of power (democracy).
Snowden tried to tell everybody that. I recommend reading the actual documents in [2]; they paint a very clear picture about the tactics being used.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COINTELPRO#Intended_effects