[headquarters]

If a big nuclear war triggered teotwawkit - theendoftheworldasweknowit- I guess feudalism could make a big comeback .

We have incorporated this into our campaign in some areas .The lords use different methods for staying in power always boiling down tro the same thing - military might to back up demands.

But in teh everyday running of things there are far more important schemes to draw people in and keep them subjugated.

Many or most people need to be helped to survive post exchange.They have little or no skills when it comes to surviving without a mall to cater to all needs and modern utilities.

So those who can do stuff become leaders some places-or the much prized slaves of those who are willing to and able to subjugate their fellow men.
Specialists like doctors ,dentists,farmers or those with degrees in agriculture experts and knowledgable people of all kinds are in this category .

Most people will tolerate a great deal from the guys who run things as long as the only doctor in their new known world is managed by them.

Some places have limited supplies of tillable lands,clean water or other supplies like food,medicines etc .Needs that can be exchanged in to power for those who control the supply.

The classic "I work your land -you fight for me " feudalism exist some places too - especially in areas where firearms and ammo is in the hands of the few.Less so where most people have guns and ammo.

As for a campaign setting ,I find the dictatorial feudalistic enclaves very useful for pitching a fight between the party and the antagonists.

I doubt very much that a democratic rule based on equality and liberties would be common - but it would surely exist some places .We have these types of areas in our campaign too - the players never seem to feel at home there though..Like they find the lack of brutal subjugation boring...