The term **"Deep State"** primarily refers to a purported covert network within a government, typically composed of entrenched bureaucrats, intelligence officials, military leaders, and sometimes private sector actors, who are believed to wield significant influence behind the scenes, often beyond formal democratic control. This concept originated in Turkey in the 1990s to describe secret alliances between military, intelligence, and organized crime, especially under authoritarian regimes. It later gained traction in the United States, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency, when right-wing activists claimed that a "deep state" was actively undermining the president's agenda by obstructing policy and conspiring with media outlets[1][3][4]. Unlike a formal organization or business entity, the deep state is more a political theory or conspiracy hypothesis than a concrete institution. It is characterized by informal, sometimes shadowy power structures that influence government functions like military operations, intelligence activities, and policy implementation without direct legislative authority[1][3]. While some countries with authoritarian governments have had confirmed deep state structures that openly resist or depose governments (e.g., Turkey, Egypt), in the U.S., the existence of a deep state remains a contentious and debated topic with no conclusive evidence[1][3]. Key aspects often highlighted include the role of agencies such as the FBI, CIA, and specialized military commands like the Joint Special Operations Command, which conduct covert operations and maintain secrecy for national security reasons. Books and investigations into the "deep state" explore how these agencies operate, revealing both controversial activities and the complexity of maintaining democratic oversight over intelligence and military operations[2]. Notable is the distinction between the "deep state" as a bureaucratic or intelligence apparatus and the "contractor state," which involves powerful defense contractors, nonprofit entities, and career politicians who together perpetuate federal spending and influence, complicating government reform efforts[6]. Currently, the deep state remains a heavily politicized and debated concept, often used rhetorically to explain extraordinary political events