Deep State : Purpose ,Control & Concepts
- Gp Capt Johnson Chacko
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Editor's Note :
This article on ' The Deep State ' was penned down by the author ,Gp Capt Johnson Chacko to meet a request made to MVI by a senior veteran.The author explains the term( deep state) ,its origin ,meaning ,effect and implications in various countries with a historical perspective including India and Pakistan with whom most readers would be concerned.
Do read and forward to interested readers.
All photos are for symbolic representation only
Editor, MVI
Definition
The term "Deep State" refers to a theory or belief that there exists a hidden or covert network of power operating independently of a country's elected leadership. This network is thought to consist of influential members of government agencies, military, intelligence services, and sometimes private sector elites who manipulate policy and decision-making behind the scenes.
Key Characteristics of the Deep State Concept:
- Non-elected power: Operates outside democratic oversight.
- Continuity: Persists regardless of changes in elected leadership.
- Influence: Allegedly shapes national and international policies.
- Secrecy: Functions covertly, often without public knowledge.
Who "Rules" the Deep State
There is no official ruler or governing body of a "Deep State" because it's not a formal institution. However, those believed to be part of it often include:
- High-ranking officials in intelligence agencies (e.g., CIA, NSA).
- Senior members of the military-industrial complex.
- Influential bureaucrats and career civil servants.
- Powerful corporate leaders, especially in defence, tech, and finance.
- Sometimes, media moguls or think tanks are included.
- The idea of a Deep State is controversial and often used in political rhetoric.
- In some countries, it has historical roots (e.g., Turkey’s “derin devlet”).
- In others, it's more of a conspiracy theory with little concrete evidence.
The Deep State has appeared in different countries in different forms and how it compares to legitimate government oversight structures.
1. Turkey
- Term Origin: The Turkish term "Derin Devlet" (deep state) is one of the earliest uses.
- Reality: Refers to a clandestine network of military officers, intelligence agents, and organized crime figures.
- Purpose: Allegedly aimed to preserve secularism and national unity, sometimes through illegal means.
- Notable Events: The “Ergenekon trials” in the 2000s investigated alleged deep state actors.
2. United States
- The arms industry is the most lucrative business. Money plays a big role in influencing political decisions.
- Popular Usage: The term gained traction in recent years, especially in political discourse.
- Claims: Some politicians and commentators allege that intelligence agencies and bureaucrats and the military industrial complex undermine elected officials.
- Criticism: Many experts argue it's a conspiracy theory used to delegitimize opposition or criticism.
- Oversight Reality: The U.S. has checks and balances, including Congressional oversight of intelligence and military agencies.
3. Egypt
- Deep State Allegations: Often used to describe the entrenched power of the military and intelligence services.
- Post-Arab Spring: The military's role in removing elected leaders (e.g., Mohamed Morsi) fueled deep state narratives.
4. Russia
- Power Structure: The concept overlaps with the idea of “Siloviki”—former security and military officials who hold key positions.
- Control: These networks are seen as central to maintaining the current regime's power.
Comparison with Legitimate Oversight Structures
Transparency: Deep state operates in secrecy whereas legitimate rule is public and documented
Accountability: Legitimate governance is subject to laws and regulations whereas deep state has no direct accountability.
Control: Deep State does not have democratic control and is independent of elections. Whereas the legitimate government is by elected officials.
Purpose: Legitimate government serves public interest and national security whereas Deep State is self-serving, religious or ideological
Deep State thrives on shadow networks, covert influence etc. whereas legitimate government relies on Parliamentary committees, audits, watchdogs etc.
The Deep State is often a mix of real concerns about entrenched power and speculative or conspiratorial thinking. In contrast, legitimate oversight is a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that powerful institutions remain accountable.
In India, the concept of a "Deep State" is increasingly discussed in political and academic circles, though it differs significantly from the military-dominated versions seen in countries like Turkey or Pakistan. In Pakistan, the Army rules the Country as well as heads the Deep State. Here's a detailed look at how it's understood in the Indian context:
The key elements of India's Deep State are:
1. Non-Military Security Establishment
Investigative journalist Josy Joseph, in his book “The Silent Coup: A History of India's Deep State”, argues that India's deep state is composed of non-military security institutions such as:
- Police forces
- Intelligence agencies (e.g., IB, RAW)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- National Investigation Agency (NIA)
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Income Tax Department
These agencies, according to Joseph, are often used by political executives to suppress dissent, intimidate critics, and manipulate democratic processes
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Silent_Coup:_A_History_of_India%27s_Deep_State)
(https://pacificaffairs.ubc.ca/book-reviews/how-to-subvert-a-democracy-inside-indias-deep-state-by-josy-joseph/)
2. Political Abuse of Institutions
Joseph documents how these agencies have been used across different regimes—from Indira Gandhi’s Emergency to Narendra Modi’s tenure—to target opposition leaders, civil society organizations, and journalists. He argues that this has led to a decline in democratic ethos and the rise of an authoritarian style of governance (https://pacificaffairs.ubc.ca/book-reviews/how-to-subvert-a-democracy-inside-indias-deep-state-by-josy-joseph/)
3. Foreign Service and Bureaucracy
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Coll has suggested that India’s deep state may be more bureaucratic, involving the Indian Foreign Service and other elite administrative bodies, rather than the military or intelligence agencies (https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/deep-state-and-its-impacts)
How It Operates
- Surveillance and Harassment: Agencies allegedly conduct raids, surveillance, and arrests based on flimsy or politically motivated evidence.
- Media Manipulation: Selective leaks and unverifiable information are fed to journalists, creating biased narratives.
- Legal Pressure: Use of laws like UAPA or sedition to silence dissent.
- NGO and Civil Society Control: Foreign-funded NGOs are sometimes accused of being tools for external influence, especially in environmental or human rights activism (https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/deep-state-and-its-impacts)
Legitimate Oversight vs. Deep State Influence in IndianContext.
Transparency provided by Parliamentary committees, judicial review etc. whereas Deep State operations are secretive.
Deep State is politically shielded as fas as accountability is concerned whereas the government is subject to law and public scrutiny.
The purpose of government is public interest and national security whereas for the Deep State Political control and suppression |
The Deep State exercises influence through Selective ED raids, media leaks etc.
Countermeasures and Recommendations
- Stronger Regulation: Tighten oversight of foreign-funded NGOs via FCRA.
- National Security Awareness: Promote indigenous narratives and counter foreign influence.
- Data Sovereignty: Strengthen cybersecurity and control over digital platforms.
- Independent Media and Judiciary: Ensure press freedom and judicial independence to check executive overreach (https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/deep-state-and-its-impacts)
The four arms of deep state are
Drugs, Pharma, Arms Lobby and Religion. There is a round table and committees under them.
The main aim is regime change in states that don't pursue their line, through subversion of state machinery, social and religious unrest and bring disruption.
The major players are intelligence agencies of big countries, many running a counter to their government policies at times, through front unassuming organisations like green peace, Human Rights International, some charitable institutes working on religious conversions and social divide, etc.