Episodes

  • Dark Skies: Inside the Russian Drone Incident

    Dark Skies: Inside the Russian Drone Incident
    Dec 12 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 26 mins
  • The Russian Spy Ship Yantar Returns

    The Russian Spy Ship Yantar Returns
    Nov 19 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Russia's Crime-Terror Nexus

    Russia's Crime-Terror Nexus
    Oct 9 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Russia's Threat to Europe and Ireland

    Russia's Threat to Europe and Ireland
    Mar 6 2024
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • The United States of Extremism

    The United States of Extremism
    Mar 6 2024
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Spies: A Century of Espionage

    Spies: A Century of Espionage
    Jan 30 2024
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • The Politics of Immigration

    The Politics of Immigration
    Jan 1 2024
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Safeguarding Ireland: A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity

    Safeguarding Ireland: A Deep Dive into Cybersecurity
    Dec 7 2023
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins