THE DARK STATE

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The Dark State

The Dark State
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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.

  1. JAN 25

    Trump: The security implications for Ireland

    John Mooney and Professor Scott Lucas of University College Dublin discuss the evolving defence posture of Ireland in the context of a rapidly changing global political landscape caused by Donald Trump. They explore the implications of US foreign policy, the impact of Brexit, and the challenges posed by rising global tensions involving Trump. The discussion explores the need for Ireland to reassess its neutrality and security cooperation, particularly within the framework of the European Union, as it navigates its future defence strategy amidst these complexities.

    43 min

  2. JAN 17

    Unmasking the United Front: China's Influence Operations Explained

    In this episode, John Mooney talks with Martin Torley, a senior analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, to discuss the intricate dynamics of China's United Front operations in the UK and beyond. They delve into how these influence operations function within the grey zone of legality, shaping political discourse and public perception without overtly breaking laws. Martin shares insights from his extensive research, revealing how the Chinese Communist Party utilizes community networks, academia, and business to exert influence and silence dissent, raising critical questions about the vulnerabilities of democratic societies in the face of such tactics.

    1h 2m

  3. 12/27/2025

    Preparing for Conflict: Where will Ireland stand if Russia attacks Europe

    Nato is preparing for conflict with Russia. Countries across Europe are investing in defence, strengthening their armies and buying new equipment should they need to fight. Where will Ireland stand if the European Union is attacked. John Mooney talks to the Italian defence analyst Thomas Theiner about the possibilities. The discussion highlights the importance of military readiness for countries like Ireland and the Baltic states, emphasising that neutrality does not equate to safety in the face of aggression.

    1h 4m

  4. 12/22/2025

    Russia’s Shadow Fleet: Sanctions, Surveillance, and the New Front of Hybrid Warfare

    In this episode of The Dark State, John Mooney interviews Jakob Kjøgx Bohr from Danwatch, who discusses the investigations into Russia's Shadow Fleet and its implications for global security. The conversation covers the significance of the Shadow Fleet in evading international sanctions, the potential for hybrid warfare, and the challenges of tracking these vessels. The discussion also touches on recent drone incidents off Dublin and the evolving nature of warfare, focusing on the need for transparency and public awareness.

    46 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Dark Skies: Inside the Russian Drone Incident

    The recent drone incursion off the coast of Dublin during President Zelensky's visit exposed gaping failures in Ireland's ability to protect the state and visiting heads of state. The former air corps pilot Kevin Phipps and the former naval commander Tony Geraghty join John Mooney to discuss the details of the incident, the government's response, public perception, and the implications for military preparedness and national security. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by hybrid threats, the legal frameworks governing military action, and the need for improved coordination and resources within Ireland's defense strategy.

    1h 26m

  6. 11/23/2025

    White, Christian and Nationalist

    Ireland is now seeing the emergence of far right paramilitary type groups intent on mounting attacks on immigrants, asylum-seekers and Muslims. Ireland is not alone. Such groups are emerging across the western world. This conversation delves into the rise of white Christian extremism, particularly in Ireland, and its implications for society. Jacob Ware of the Council on Foreign Relations discusses the ideological underpinnings of this movement, including the Great Replacement Theory, and how it manifests in violence.

    43 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    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.

    23 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    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.

    48 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Dark State
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    322
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Dark State
  • Provider
    The Dark State

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