One small point to add: the illusion of authority is also enforced by no one willing to be the one the authority will make an example of in case of disobedience. No one wants to be singled out for punishment, knowing that support from neighbors and friends is likely to immediately fade away the moment the authority decides to step in. There just isn't enough solidarity and unity among people, and the authority works hard to ensure this continues. Divide and conquer, etc.