Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.20901/pm.59.1.03

DOES A CROATIAN DEEP STATE EXIST? ANALYSIS OF DEEP STATE PERCEPTION AMONG CROATIAN POLITICIANS

Žaklina Kuljanac ; Neovisna istraživačica
Matej Mikašinović-Komšo orcid.org/0000-0003-0153-2837 ; Neovisni istraživač

Abstract

The article analyses and discusses conspiracy theories – specifically, the conspiracy ‎theories regarding the existence of a deep state – in order to investigate ‎whether this perception exists among Croatian politicians as a group,‎ and if it does, which forms it takes. By presenting relevant literature dealing ‎with conspiracy theories and the deep state, as well as conducted research on‎ how widespread conspiracy theories (especially the ones concerning the deep‎state) are in Croatia, a foundation is established for an explorative analysis‎of open-form interviews with Croatian politicians. The main findings of the‎ analysis point to the fact that the perception of the existence of a deep state ‎in Croatia is present among politicians of all political backgrounds, and that‎ there is a multitude of descriptions on how it operates and behaves. Despite ‎the differences between individual perceptions, all who perceived the deep‎state as an existing phenomenon share a pessimistic vision of the current Croatian‎ situation, as well as a shared belief that hidden interest groups participated ‎and operated in controversial past events in Croatia.‎

Keywords

Conspiracy Theory; Conspiracy; Deep State; Political Perception; Croatian Politicians

Hrčak ID:

275484

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/275484

Publication date:

21.4.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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