Should Ireland continue to send troops abroad to participate in peacekeeping missions? Ireland has been sending soldiers into conflict zones since 1958 but has the time come to rethink this policy?

Do Irish soldiers gain anything from the experience or are such missions just an additional drain on a depleted military’s resources? John Mooney discuss the issue with Prof Ray Murphy of NUI Galway and Declan Power, an independent defence expert.

Peacekeeping: Time to Rethink?

John Mooney talks to Dr Alex Clarkson of Kings College on where Ireland fits into Europe's security and defence apparatus. This is the first of four episodes which examine the future of Irish neutrality in a rapidly changing world.

Neutrality: Ireland and Europe

What are the consequences of Russia's decision to conscript young men to fight in Ukraine? And what are the consequences for European and indeed Irish security. John Mooney discusses the issue with Prof Neil Robinson.

Russia's mobilisation: Analysis

Why is Russia spying in Ireland? And does Russian espionage pose a threat to the Irish economy?

Two Russian spy agencies are active in Ireland. Its SVR foreign intelligence service is targeting diplomats, civil servants and public figures.

The GRU, the military intelligence branch of the Russian armed forces, is also using Ireland as an operational base. It is also gathering intelligence on the tech industry and other targets.

Is the government doing anything to confront the Russian threat and to protect both Irish and European interests? And what are the consequences of pursuing a policy of no action?

Gustav Gressel, a Russian analyst from the European Council on Foreign Relations,  discusses what many now regard as a major threat Ireland’s national security.

Enemy of the State: Russian Spying in Ireland

The Dark State is an influential 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. 
Subscribers can access new episodes on Apple Podcasts and Patreon. Some episodes are made freely available to promote a better understanding of security issues.

Peacekeeping: Time to Rethink?

The Dark State Podcast

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