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Security Networks, Deep States, and the Democratic Deficit in the Middle East
- The Middle East Journal
- Middle East Institute
- Volume 72, Number 3, Summer 2018
- pp. 447-465
- Article
- Additional Information
Abstract:
This article argues that part of the reason why some Middle Eastern states remain democratically challenged is the emergence, operation, and political influence of "security networks" and "deep states"—informal actors in the area of national security. The article explains what these actors are, situates them in a broad theoretical and comparative perspective, assesses their impact on democratic development, and provides examples from Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt.