The concept of the “Deep State” has long been a subject of intrigue and debate, often portrayed as a shadowy network of powerful individuals and institutions that operate behind the scenes, influencing government policies and decisions without the consent of the electorate. But is the Deep State a myth or a reality? Let’s explore this complex topic.
What is the “Deep State”?
The term “Deep State” can be defined in several ways:
A Conglomerate of Insiders: This definition describes the Deep State as a network of insiders, both within and outside the traditional state apparatus, who effectively run the country regardless of who is in the White House. These insiders are believed to have a doctrine to maintain the USA as the “Centre of Power” and to run the world order without the consent of voters.
War Machine: Another perspective views the Deep State as comprising elements within the security and surveillance apparatus, the military-industrial complex, and other entities that corrupt constitutional American politics. This includes the so-called “war machine” that perpetuates endless conflicts for strategic and economic gains.
Financial Billionaires: Critics often point to financial billionaires like the Koch brothers and George Soros, who have been accused of using their substantial financial influence to shape public policy in ways that benefit their business interests and ideological beliefs. This perspective highlights the Wall Street-Washington complex, where a few politically powerful Wall Street firms, such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley, exert significant control over the financial system.
The Nexus of Politics and Business
The economy is the central axis around which all national affairs revolve. It empowers politics, the military, ideology, foreign relations, goodwill, security and growth. Those in power or opposition require electoral funds to win elections, and they must return the favor once elected. This dynamic gives rise to a powerful, under-the-table syndicate that operates free from constitutional enforcement.
The return of favors can occur both internally and externally. Leaders of developing countries often overtax their citizens or create business policies that favor their allies. In developed countries, leaders may use the nation’s influence to benefit their donors, depending on the type of business their benefactors have.
For instance, if a politician receives significant funding from defense companies, once elected, their government might promote the sale of defense products to third-world countries, maintain a tense geopolitical environment to sustain the arms race, or even orchestrate controlled conflicts in targeted regions.
Peter Dale Scott: The American Deep State, 2014
Peter Dale Scott is a Canadian-born poet, academic, and former diplomat. He is best known for his critiques of deep politics and American foreign policy since the era of the Vietnam War. He wrote:
The expansion of this covert world has occurred principally in Asia. There covert U.S. decisions were made to build up drug-financed armies in Burma, Thailand, and Laos, in a series of aggressive actions that by the 1960s involved America in a hot Indochina War. This war, like the related wars that ensued later in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, was initiated by America for a mix of geostrategic and economic reasons—above all the desire to establish a dominant U.S. presence in an important region of petroleum reserves.
The American Deep State, 2014.
In the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008, the scene was initially surveyed for the attackers by a DEA double agent, David Headley (alias Daood Sayed Gilani) whom “U.S. authorities sent . . . to work for them in Pakistan . . . despite a warning that he sympathized with radical Islamic groups.”
Modern Examples and Allegations
Several modern incidents and allegations have fueled the debate over the existence of a Deep State:
A. Economic War: Fifth-generation warfare aims to destabilize top-line business establishments, financial institutions and political leaders of the target country. This strategy fuels distrust among citizens, resulting in economic collapse, the fall of governments, or the formation of weak government.
Hindenburg Research, a short seller, is a classic example of this tactic. In 2023, it targeted Indian businessman Gautam Adani through a fantasy report called ‘Adani Group: How The World’s 3rd Richest Man Is Pulling The Largest Con In Corporate History’. It alleged that Adani group has been involved “in a brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades”.
The report came two days before a $2.5 billion follow-up public offering was issued by Adani Enterprises. What a timing!!. The report caused Adani’s fortune to plummet sharply, dropping from a high of $126 billion in January 2023 to less than $50 billion later in the year.
Recently, Hindenburg covertly targeted the Indian Stock Exchange regulator SEBI. It accused SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch of providing “favors” to the Adani Group, inadequate income disclosure and conflicts of interest.
B. Attack on Donald Trump: During Donald Trump’s presidency (2017-2021), he took several notable stances on foreign policy, particularly in relation to war and U.S. involvement overseas:
- His administration focused on military disengagement (Afghanistan Exit), reducing U.S. troop presence in the Middle East, and using economic measures like sanctions instead of deploying military forces.
- Trump’s domestic focus was on U.S. economic growth, with his administration implementing tax cuts, reducing regulations, and promoting “America First” policies.
He is a also strong supporter of a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.
On July 13, 2024, Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt while speaking at an open-air campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was shot and wounded in his upper right ear.
C. Bangladesh and Pakistan Military Coups: August 5, 2024. Ex-Bangladesh’s Prime Minister who had governed the country for 15 years, had to flee the country owing to violent protests and refusal of Military to ensure her security. Sheikh Hasina accused US of ousting her for refusing to surrender Saint Martin Island.
April 2022, Islamabad. Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was voted out of power via no-confidence motion. Imran alleged that it was masterminded by US because he denied them to set up Military Bases In Pakistan.
AI and Covert Influence Operations
In May 2024, OpenAI released a report citing involvement of Israel based company’s involvement in creating fake social media campaigns to influence people using AI. Here are the topline details:
- Zero Zeno Operation: A commercial company in Israel called STOIC has been generating content about the Gaza conflict, the Histadrut trade unions organization in Israel, and the Indian elections. This operation has been nicknamed “Zero Zeno.”
- The attackers have been generating content by mixing old and new information and faking engagement.
- The operation was divided into several topical campaigns, most of which were loosely associated with the Gaza conflict and the broader question of relations between Jews and Muslim faith. In May, OpenAI disrupted some activity focused on the Indian elections less than 24 hours after it began.
- In May 2024, the network began generating comments that focused on India, criticized the ruling BJP party, and praised the opposition Congress party.
Conclusion
The debate over the existence of the American Deep State is far from settled. While some argue that it is a myth perpetuated by conspiracy theorists, others believe it is a reality, pointing to various historical and modern examples of covert operations and influence.
