Great article Eric. Encourage everyone to read it. I've been researching how the mafia controlled the US in the 30's and if you use their network mapping of ports (air and ground), railroads, etc via compromised union leaders, private intelligence/security like the Pinkertons, they demonstrated your theory in the 30's. They controlled every aspect of many rackets, facilitated drug/weapons/human trafficking in and around the US.
As you point out, this is exactly the type of assessment the CIA uses to take over/overthrow foreign governments. The case studies are out there but its weird how most ppl think it can never happen here. It's already happened multiple times and is currently underway again.
Pay attention.