The Dark State

The Hybrid Underworld

The Dark State — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:07:07 GMT

This new monthly newsletter is a small way of thanking those who support The Dark State through their subscriptions, helping to keep the podcast independent and available to everyone. Each month, I intend to examine the security, defence and criminal issues that should concern those who support this podcast. These are the developments on my radar: the threats that matter, why they matter, and how the state should respond.

In the months ahead, the podcast will look more closely at the changing nature of criminal, paramilitary, defence and security threats. This is the new underworld: a space in which organised crime groups, hostile states, terrorist networks and the facilitators who serve them interact through money, logistics, technology and influence. The hybrid actors who exist in this space will become some of the most serious threats to peace and security, and will pose a challenge to policymakers in the years to come.

The Kinahans and Dubai

The Dark State — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:30:00 GMT

How has the Kinahan cartel managed to endure in the United Arab Emirates? Have they friends in high places or do the Emiratis simply ignore the presence of organised crime gangs in their country. John Mooney talks to David Haigh, the former managing director of Leeds United who was jailed in Dubai for 22 months after he was accused of fraud.

Facing the Far Right

The Dark State — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:58:57 GMT

How should democracies confront the far right without adopting its language, normalising its narratives, or mistaking a structural problem for a fringe phenomenon? In this episode of The Dark State, we speak with Dr Aaron Winter, whose research examines racism, reactionary politics, terrorism, and the mainstreaming of the far right.

From Neutral to Networked

The Dark State — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 23:01:03 GMT

In the second part of our mini-series of Ireland’s EU Presidency, we discuss why it’s essential for Ireland to adapt to the changing security environment. In recent months, the phrase “joint expeditionary force” has gained significant traction in Ireland, especially following the government’s introduction of its first-ever national maritime security strategy. But what does this mean for Ireland’s long-standing commitment to neutrality? In this episode, we talk to Declan Power to unpack the key elements of the maritime security strategy, explore the implications of the joint expeditionary force, and discuss why it’s essential for Ireland to adapt to the changing security environment.

Ireland's EU Presidency

The Dark State — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 17:06:34 GMT

Part of our mini-series on the security and defence implications of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. For the next six months, Ireland is leading Europe’s defence and security agenda while spending barely 0.2% of GDP on defence, the lowest share of any EU member state. So is Ireland a credible steward of European security, or is it, as critics say, a freeloader hiding behind its neutrality? John Mooney is joined by Professor Scott Lucas of University College Dublin and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView.

Modern Vetting Challenges

The Dark State — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:49:11 GMT

In this episode, Dr. Dan Lomas from the University of Nottingham discusses Ireland's security vulnerabilities, vetting processes, insider threats, and espionage risks. Learn about the gaps in Ireland's security architecture and how to strengthen defences against foreign intelligence threats.

Securing the Deep

The Dark State — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:09:17 GMT

This episode explores the complex security challenges facing subsea cables, including physical threats and cyber attacks. Camino Kavanagh and Robert McCabe discuss recent policy developments, innovative cybersecurity measures, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to infrastructure resilience.

Unveiling Iran's Shadow Fleet

The Dark State — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:36:44 GMT

This episode explores Iran’s shadow fleet of aging oil tankers, their organisation, environmental risks, and implications for global security. Maritime intelligence expert Saleem Khan of Pole Star Global shares insights into covert operations, risks, and the need for enhanced monitoring and international cooperation.

Iran: Cyber Contagion

The Dark State — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:05:57 GMT

What happens when a physical war triggers a global digital epidemic? John Mooney sits down with Cynthia Kaiser, former Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division who is now with the cyber security firm Halcyon, to map out the ‘cyber contagion’ currently threatening global infrastructure as the US-Iran conflict moves into the virtual realm.

US Domestic Terrorism: The Antifa Debate

The Dark State — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:14:34 GMT

In this episode, John Mooney and Dr. Anne Speckhard of the International Centre for the Study of Violent Extremism discuss the implications of domestic terrorism prosecutions related to Antifa activities in the US. They explore the definitions of terrorism, the balance between counter-terrorism enforcement and First Amendment rights, and the influence of political rhetoric on public perception. Dr. Speckhard shares her insights as an expert witness in a case involving alleged Antifa members, the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protest and criminal activity. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of domestic terrorism in the U.S. and the potential consequences for civil liberties.

Trump: The security implications for Ireland

The Dark State — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:11:08 GMT

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.

Unmasking the United Front

The Dark State — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 20:03:25 GMT

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.

Preparing for Conflict

The Dark State — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 22:20:55 GMT

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.

Russia’s Shadow Fleet

The Dark State — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:40:54 GMT

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.

Dark Skies

The Dark State — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:28:11 GMT

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.

White, Christian and Nationalist

The Dark State — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:07:34 GMT

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.

The Dark State Is Coming Back

The Dark State — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:19:35 GMT

I really didn’t expect to be writing this email. Over the past few weeks, many of you have reached out to say how important The Dark State had become, especially given the deteriorating security and defence situation in Ireland and across Europe. Your messages genuinely made me stop, reflect, and reconsider.

As a result, I’m pleased to let you know that the show will restart in December.

I will be posting all episodes free for anyone to listen, because I believe it’s vital that the public have access to accurate information on the rapidly eviolving security landscape. The subscription option will remain purely for those who want to support the work and help with the running costs, and subscribers will receive early access to new episodes.

I genuinely wasn’t expecting everyone to reach out but was both surprised and humbled. Thank you, sincerely, for your support and belief in this project. I look forward to sharing new work with you soon.

Warm regards,
John

The Russian Spy Ship Yantar Returns

The Dark State — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:09:09 GMT

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,

Russia's Crime-Terror Nexus

The Dark State — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 15:31:08 GMT

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.

The State of the Irish Naval Service

The Dark State — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:13:25 GMT

John Mooney speaks to Tony Geraghty, a former commander of the Irish Naval Service, about the current state of maritime security in Ireland. Geraghty highlighted a number of pressing challenges facing the Navy, including legal responsibilities, constraints on resources, and the urgent need for modernisation to address evolving maritime threats. He stressed that public support for defence initiatives is essential and called for a coherent, long-term strategic vision to guide the future development of the Naval Service.