He and Mahathir are considered as deep state
.
The term "Deep State" refers to a belief in the existence of a covert, influential network of government or military officials, intelligence agencies, and other powerful entities working behind the scenes to control or influence government policy and decision-making, often outside of democratic oversight. This network is thought to exist in parallel with the elected government, sometimes acting independently or in opposition to it.
Origins and Concept
The idea of a "deep state" has roots in conspiracy theories, though it has historical roots in some countries where the military or intelligence services have had disproportionate influence. For example:
In Turkey in the 20th century, a "deep state" was considered a network of military and nationalist factions that often intervened in politics.
Egypt and some other Middle Eastern countries have had strong military or intelligence services that are seen as "states within a state."
In the U.S., the concept became mainstream in recent years, with proponents suggesting that career officials in the government and intelligence agencies operate independently of elected officials, allegedly undermining the will of the people or the agendas of specific politicians.
Characteristics Often Attributed to the "Deep State"
1. Autonomous Power: The deep state is believed to act independently, with some level of autonomy from the government or elected officials.
2. Hidden Influence: It's often said to control or influence policies, the media, or public opinion from behind the scenes.
3. Resilience to Change: Because the deep state is comprised of permanent officials or long-standing institutions, it resists the policies or agendas of new administrations, especially if they conflict with its own interests.
4. Surveillance and Control: Intelligence agencies (like the CIA, NSA, or FBI in the U.S.) are often central to deep state theories, as they have access to significant information and technology that could be used for surveillance or to maintain power.
Why Some Believe in the Deep State
Several factors drive belief in the deep state:
Distrust in Government: People who are skeptical about government transparency may believe in a powerful hidden entity within it.
Complexity of Bureaucracy: Large governments, especially in powerful countries, often have complex bureaucratic systems. Some believe this complexity allows for undemocratic manipulation and covert agendas.
Historical Events and Scandals: Events like the Watergate scandal, the revelations about the NSA's mass surveillance programs, and even political investigations involving intelligence agencies have fueled suspicions.
Criticisms of the Deep State Theory
Critics argue that:
The deep state concept oversimplifies government processes, attributing policy outcomes to shadowy forces rather than political, economic, or bureaucratic factors.
Many claims lack solid evidence and often rest on misunderstandings of government structures or security agency functions.
Using "deep state" as a label for political disagreements can undermine legitimate checks and balances within government.
Real-World Influence or Fiction?
The existence of a "deep state" as described in conspiracy theories is heavily debated. While it's true that certain bureaucrats and career officials have long-standing roles in government that outlast administrations, whether they operate as an organized "state within a state" is another matter.
The deep state idea essentially reflects a fear that democratic institutions can be undermined by secretive forces, though whether those forces actually exist as a cohesive entity is uncertain.