In defence of the Deep State
How the hidden machinery of government helps democracies survive turbulence
What happens when the people running the machinery of government don't agree with the person sitting at the top?
Right now, in real-time, we’re seeing that battle play out in the United States — and it’s a case study in how democracies survive turbulent leaders and wild swings in political mood.
One thing I try to do — as is my habit — is to look at different points of view, even when they aren't fashionable.
Barely a year ago someone using the term “deep state” would invite criticism of conspiracy theorist.
The phrase "conspiracy theory" has gotten such a negative spin, yet it’s routinely used in every courtroom drama we watch. After all, before any major action — good or bad — someone has to plan it.
But let’s get back to the point: the deep state isn’t as shadowy or sinister as some would have you believe. At its core, it simply refers to the bureaucracy — the system of agencies, lawmakers, senior officials, and government employees that every nation needs to function.
Every country has bureaucrats. Therefore, every country has a deep state. These people aren't elected — and frankly, it would be chaotic if they were. Their job is to keep the machinery of government running, no matter who holds political office.
Where tension arises is when the bureaucracy seems to resist or slow the will of an elected government. When that happens, it’s natural for the public to criticize what they see as "deep state" interference.
Right now, we’re seeing a vivid example of this in the United States. The U.S. bureaucracy seems to be clashing with Donald Trump at almost every turn. Whether you broadly agree with Trump’s policies or not, it’s a rare opportunity to watch this tension unfold live.
Now imagine: what if the bureaucracy had no power at all? What if it carried out every wish of the current administration, no matter how extreme? It might sound efficient — but what if the country elected a dangerously unstable leader?
China isn’t a great example here — it’s a one-party system, not a democracy. A better historical example is Nazi Germany. Hitler was democratically elected. And without meaningful institutional checks, we know where that led.
The deep state, for all its flaws, plays a critical role: it acts as a safeguard against chaos.
No democracy on Earth is perfect. They all have flaws. But even imperfect democracies are better than dictatorships. And a strong bureaucracy — the deep state if you will — is one of the key mechanisms that help democracies survive.
Think of it like a car’s flywheel. The deep state provides momentum and stability, ensuring that government doesn’t veer wildly every time a new leader comes to power. It's made up of career officials, intelligence agencies, military leaders — people who keep things running in the background, quietly preserving stability.
Trump, of course, is seen by many as an example of an unstable leader. But if you look closely, most of the changes he’s pushing — immigration reform, fighting government waste, tackling the opioid crisis, reforming federal agencies — have all been proposed by both parties for decades. What sets him apart is his style: his bluster, his drive to actually deliver these with speed, and with drama.
Viewed this way, the deep state’s actions make more sense. It’s acting as a flywheel, moderating the speed, some extremes, and force of Trump’s agenda. And frankly, it's doing a reasonably good job.
The insults and mudslinging we’re seeing in the US political landscape are disappointing — but that’s a topic for another day, which I’ll explore in a future post.
P.S. Coming soon: The Donald Trump Affect — It’s not about Trump. Don’t miss it.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I welcome your thoughts: Is the deep state a stabilizing force, a threat to democracy, or a bit of both? Feel free to leave a comment, share this article, and subscribe if you’d like to join me for future posts exploring similar topics.