Introduction

Burhan Ozbilici/Associated Press

In places like Turkey, where democracy’s grasp can be tenuous, and Egypt, where it has no hold, many feel the levers of power are controlled by an indomitable cabal of military officials, business owners and bureaucrats, known as the “deep state”. While its existence is unproved, its influence is seen in attacks on dissidents in Turkey and the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Is the “deep state” a force that insidiously undermines democracy or has it helped maintain stability in the face of extremism?