The Dark State

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.