James March

Deep State is a chapbook that delves into the rise of conspiratorial thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how misinformation, paranoia, and distrust took root in online spaces. Through a mix of prose, interviews, and archival screenshots, the book captures the rapid evolution of conspiracy narratives as they spread across internet forums, social media platforms, and fringe communities.

Blurring the lines between documentation and critique, this work explores the psychological and societal forces that fueled these beliefs, from fears of government overreach to the viral nature of digital echo chambers. By weaving together firsthand accounts and digital artifacts, this chapbook offers a revealing look at the mechanisms of modern conspiracy culture—how it thrives, mutates, and influences public perception in times of crisis.

It was printed on Risograph with fluorescent pink and black inks by Nothing New in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, and is limited to an edition of 25 copies.