In this fascinating account, Ian Fitzgerald examines what a deep state really is and how they have emerged in various places across the world and throughout history. Ranging from the police state of East Germany in the 1950s to the narco states of Latin America in the 1970s to the institutional corruption of 21st century Nigeria, he explores the many ways people have sought to seize the apparatus of power for themselves while remaining out of sight.

Includes index.

Historical deep states --European deep state -- The Middle East -- Asia -- Africa -- Central and South America -- American deep states to 1939 -- Post-war American deep states -- Digital deep states.