Bangladesh, Sept. 12 -- In the early 19th century, the East India Company dominated not merely through superior weaponry, but through its ability to exploit division, corruption, and the ambitions of local elites. Two centuries later, the parallel is unmistakable. Washingtons “deep state”—a fusion of intelligence bureaucracy, diplomatic muscle, and corporate lobbying—functions today as the modern East India Company in South Asia. The instruments have changed: gone are the gunboats and monopolies, replaced by NGOs, cultural programs, and social media campaigns. But the mission has scarcely shifted. It remains one of securing resources, installing pliable governments, and denying rivals—China most of all—...