The Dark State

The Dark State is a bio-monthly podcast about the security threats facing modern Ireland and the world. The podcast is hosted by the journalist John Mooney, who interviews experts on organised crime, terrorism, national security and defence to bring you an inside perspective on the most pressing issues of the day.

The Russian Spy Ship Yantar Returns

The Russian spy ship Yantar is now heading for Irish waters. Purpose-built for clandestine undersea operations, it specialises in covert seabed missions. I’m resharing this interview with Aaron Amick, a retired US Navy sonarman who served with America’s subsurface fleet.

11-19
23:04

Russia's Crime-Terror Nexus

Dr Kacper Rekawek discusses Russia's use of organised crime gangs to conduct hybrid warfare across Europe. The conversation explores how Russia utilizes criminal networks to achieve its geopolitical objectives, the implications for European security, and the specific threats faced by Ireland.

10-09
47:31

Russia's Threat to Europe and Ireland

In this episode of The Dark State, John Mooney is joined by James Nixey, an expert in international relations and security affairs at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, to dissect the looming threat posed by Russia to Europe and its implications for Ireland. From Russia's geopolitical goals to the role of hybrid warfare and Ireland's vulnerabilities, this episode explores the complex dynamics of European security and Ireland's position within it.

03-06
37:28

The United States of Extremism

In this episode of The Dark State, John Mooney talks to Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, authors of God, Guns, and Sedition: Far Right Terrorism in America. The guests provide an overview of their book, exploring the roots and contemporary manifestations of white supremacy. They discuss the perception of white supremacy as a threat to democracy, its evolution over time, and the role of technology in spreading its ideologies. It also examines how the American Far Right is influencing similar movements across the world. Ware debunks common misconceptions, highlighting the violent nature of groups like the KKK, while Hoffman explores the intersection of white supremacy with other extremist movements. They also touch upon recruitment strategies and the international dimensions of white supremacist movements. This show is a must listen episode for anyone interested in the influence of the American Far Right on Irish anti-immigrant groups.

03-06
54:29

Spies: A Century of Espionage

John Mooney talks to Calder Walton, one of the world’s leading intelligence and national security scholars, about his ground-breaking book, Spies: The Epic Intelligence War Between East and West. The conversation extends beyond historical analysis as Walton draws pertinent parallels to the present geopolitical landscape, offering valuable insights and lessons applicable to the contemporary challenges posed by the ascendance of China. This podcast promises a rigorous exploration of espionage history and its enduring relevance to ongoing global dynamics.

01-30
50:53

The Politics of Immigration

John Mooney speaks to the former government advisor and Irish Times columnist Gerard Howlin about the government's handling of immigration. Will anti-immigrant campaigners run for election and eat into the Sinn Fein vote? This is the first of two podcasts on the issue.

01-01
38:04

Safeguarding Ireland: A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity

Join host John Mooney for a compelling conversation with Eoin Keary of Edgescan as they delve into the critical landscape of cybersecurity in Ireland. Keary also sheds light on Edgescan's mission to fortify Irish businesses against cyber threats and shares his expert projections, forecasting the emerging cyber threats anticipated to surface in 2024.

12-07
32:14

Dublin Burns

The Far Right managed to encourage hundreds of people to engage in violence and looting in Dublin city on Thursday night. Gardai were attacked, buses set on fire and shops looted. John Mooney speaks to Ciaran O'Connor from the Institute for Stratedgic Dialogue about what happened, how it was organised online and what's likely to happen next.

11-26
35:40

Disbanded: UVF East Belfast

John Mooney talks to Aaron Edwards of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst about the UVF statement ordering its East Belfast Brigade to stand down.

11-20
30:38

Ireland's Unfolding National Security Crisis

John Mooney talks to the Fianna Fail senator Lisa Chambers on the likely appointment of an external candidate to protect Ireland's national security.

11-10
27:05

Operation Harvast: The IRA Border Campaign

John Mooney talks to Barry Flynn about Operation Harvest, the IRA Border Campaign 1956 - 1962. Flynn is the author of Soldiers of Folly.

11-10
57:14

The IRA: The Origins Of A Name

There have been many different IRAs but where does the name come from and when did it become associated with terrorism. John Mooney talks to Dr Séan Ó Duibhir.

10-01
32:50

Why I Quit The Force

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) says morale is on the floor promptring gardai to retire early or in some cases resign. John Mooney talks to Laura Young about why she quit the force.

09-14
13:55

Briefing: John Gilligan

Why do criminals seek out attention and publicity?

09-06
07:48

The PSNI in Crisis

John Mooney talks to Roy McComb, the former deputy director of Britain's National Crime Agency about the fallout from the online publication of the names, ranks and posting of every police officer and police staff in Northern Ireland.

08-15
40:07

PSNI Data Breach

John Mooney and Aaron Edwards of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst discuss the accidential disclosure of information about all of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's serving officers and staff. What are the ramifications?

08-09
27:41

Beijing's latest efforts to make friends in Ireland

Liu Jianchao, a senior figure in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) who stands accused of heading up the illegal repatriation of pro-democracy activists who oppose the regime, visited Ireland last month to meet a government minister, politicians and a think tank. What was the purpose of his visit? John Mooney talks to Laura Harth of Safeguard Defenders.

07-12
55:39

A Secret History of Smuggling

John Mooney talks to James Doherty about the history and evolution of Irish smuggling from the 1700s to modern times.

06-05
36:46

Air Defence, Air Space

Reposting this episode of the Dark State from last year which covered the not so secret agreetment which allows the Royal Air Force to protect Irish skies. Our guest is George Allison of the UK Defence Journal who spoke about Ireland's inability to patrol its own airspace.

05-08
23:30

Leaked! (Free Episode)

John Mooney talks to Joanne Stocker, a defence analyst at Storyful about the leaking of highly classified US intelligence documents.

04-20
47:27

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