It used to be that deep state was a shadowy term used to describe developing nations whose governments operated outside of democratically elected leaders. The term has evolved and has been applied to transparent countries such as the United States. What is the deep state and how does it apply to the United States and other democratic governments? This fascinating and informative volume presents a variety of perspectives that helps readers to decide whether a deep state is something to fear or simply a conspiracy theory.

Contents -- Introduction -- The historical context for the term deep state is necessary to understand how it -- Affects Americans today -- John light -- The military industrial complex has become the American deep state, and poses -- A threat to all Americans -- Shane ralston -- Some conspiracy theories are outlandish, but some sound plausible even though -- They're not true -- The constitution society -- Separating the fact from fiction in deep state conspiracy theories -- Charles P. Blair, Rebecca l. Earnhardt -- Is the military industrial complex a threat, or the last line of defense against an -- Administration that refuses to listen to the will of the people? -- James George Jatras -- Exploring the deep state conspiracy theories surrounding president Kennedy?s -- Death -- Andrew Kreig -- Whistleblowers and leakers are not part of the deep state, they are a necessary -- Power check for our elected officials -- Kathryn Flynn -- Knowledge is crime: how political leakers are punished more severely than -- Government criminals -- Tom Engelhardt -- Whistleblowers and leakers are necessary to keep the government transparent: -- Society must protect whistleblowers from government retaliation -- The new internationalist -- The success of social movements proves the deep state does not exist -- Anthony dimaggio -- Referring to civil servants as the deep state is inaccurate and fosters distrust -- Charles s. clark -- Conspiracy theories are having a negative effect on our political system -- Joseph e. uscinski -- Organizations to contact -- Bibliography -- Index.