Toph hit the mark. Nothing to add, except maybe "time". The more people you have (minimum of 1) the quicker it can be done. @Dmyt

@Mary @Toph @JiminyCricket. In your opinion, what occupations/social positions are the most and least likely to overthrow a totalitarian nation if unified into a hivemind? Those that aren't deeply tied to the state itself like politicians, soldiers, judges, law enforcement, etc. Say only 0.1% of those in said occupation have been unified.

Assume the hivemind's playing it safe, wants to preserve its constituent bodies' lives, and can't assimilate more.

Good question - the first thought that leaps to mind is related to California. Take Hercules, the Terminator, Kindergarten Cop. In a media age, image would seem to count for a lot - as well as charisma, intelligence/smarts and the ability to think on your feet.

Arnold could have been President if the law had allowed for foreign-born folks to do it. In the UK, Nigel Farage's party and efforts around Brexit would seem to be a source of angles for a story - worth looking into (That being said, he's not currently in political power as a result). Totalitarianism is a bit of a trick one - messaging from alternative viewpoints would be tightly controlled, which sets up quite a lot of issues to deal with.

The Socratic method to get people to think in a particular direction without actually stating dangerous ideas - films written with subtle, very subtle messages that the dictator and co missed. Tough job to accomplish, would take a lot of research to accomplish given the individual differences in capacities of the audience.

As to the tipping point in the story, the coup, needs much thought putting into the detail of the society's structure and the circumstances surrounding the whole thing. A sufficiently rich, wise and seemingly loyal moviestar/businessman could become adviser to the dictator, in their inner circle - worth pondering.

@JiminyCricket. That's an interesting idea. I'll give it some thought.

Like someone rising above the ranks?

Wouldn't need to corrupt an important figure initially if the hivemind can work their way to the top