One of the best videos describing the problem of government power I've ever seen. Mostly because of how it uses a popular BBC show from the 80s to demonstrate the point that the deep state is not just the three letter agencies. Its all those boring departments that wield eminence power. And unlike we are usually told, its not that there are evil men running these departments. Its just folks doing their jobs. That's what makes it so sinister.

Watch this entire video and if you haven't seen the show Yes Minister you should watch it. I watched it a couple years ago for the first time and it blew me away. While at the time it may have been aimed at conservative Margret Thatcher, it is relevant for all governments across the globe. The permanent state is a machine that will fight to remain and grow.

You could read many books about the state but this show is funny and also very informative about how incentives work. Pournelle's Iron Law of Bureaucracy in a British comedy.