The term deep state refers to a purported secret network of power within a government that operates independently of elected political leadership, often in secret, pursuing its own agendas. It generally includes elements within the military, intelligence agencies, bureaucracy, or even private entities, exerting influence beyond official democratic oversight. The concept originated in Turkey to describe alleged covert alliances between the military, intelligence, and other actors aligned to maintain a prevailing political order. In broader use, it describes concerns about hidden power structures influencing governance, sometimes tied to conspiracy theories, especially in the United States post-2016. The deep state is seen as a supergovernment accountable to no one, capable of shaping policy behind the scenes without formal legislative authority.