PODCAST · news
Modern Insurgent
by The Modern Insurgent
Modern Insurgent's podcast on our world's conflicts, wars, and insurgencies. An investigative and academic dive into contemporary global issues, featuring renowned experts.
Episodes
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DARFUR : The Warning the World Ignored
In 2003. as reports of Janjaweed attacks poured in, Mukesh Kapila then the UN's top official in Sudan found himself at the centre of one of the century's first major genocides. HE reflects on the moral weight of witnessing such an event, and what it means to speak out when silence is safer.
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THE FRACTURES OF IDENTITY
Sudan’s wars are not just about politics or power, they are also about who belongs. Anthropologist Jok Madut Jok guides us through the country’s complex web of ethnicity, language, and region, showing how identity has been weaponised, contested, and reimagined. It’s a conversation about the human...
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A HISTORY WRITTEN IN REVOLT
To understand Sudan today, we begin with the past. In this opening episode, Alex de Waal traces Sudan’s long cycle of coups, uprisings, and unfinished revolutions. From colonial rule to the fall of Omar al-Bashir. Together, we unpack how power, identity, and resistance have shaped the modern...
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NARCO CULTURE : Belief Systems
Joined by Dr Wil Pansters to discuss how cartels create meaning and legitimacy through belief systems. From the infamous Santa Muerte, to the portrayal of Narcos as moral actors.
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SIGNALS SOUTH: TRACKING POWER IN LATAM
Joined by Stefano Ritondale from All Source News to discuss OSINT in the Mexican Drug War, from the information gathered, to the methods used, and even how propaganda is used by the cartels.
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VOICES OF RESISTANCE : Stories from the Ground
Joined by John Gibler, a journalist whose seen firsthand the destruction thrust upon the Mexican people. Some of the biggest horrors seen in the nation and the stories of those affected by them.
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THE ECONOMICS OF CRIME AND CORRUPTION
Joined by Edgardo Buscaglia, one of the worlds foremost experts on the economic analysis of organised crime, to discuss how the Mexican Drug War is intrinsically linked to state corruption.
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GUACAMAYA LEAKS : The Cost of Mining
In this one, we speak with Ryan McLiverty, former TMI writer and current Computer Security Expert to break down the Guacamaya Leaks. A series of hacks that released military and state secrets across Latin America. We explore what was leaked, by who, about who, and what hacktivism really means.
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ZAPATISTAS RISING : Chiapas in Revolt
Joined by Rowan Glass, resident Modern Insurgent editor and filmmaker, to discuss how without an understanding of the context of the Zapatistas and their 1994 uprising, you can never understand Modern Mexico.
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NARCO LIVES : Culture, Crime, and Gender
We sit down with Deborah Bonello, top level investigative journalist and author of Narcas. We explore the realities of the lives of women in Mexico. From female cartel leaders, to the officers who chase them, to the average woman trying to care for a family. Each one has a story.
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EXPOSING POWER: Corruption and Cartels in Mexico
In this episode, Joe is joined by one of Mexico's most iconic journalists, Anabel Hernandez. She connects the links between Mexico's state apparatus and some of the most brutal criminals in history. Not an episode to miss!
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CRIME, CONFLICT, AND POLICY : Inside the Grey Zone
In this episode, Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and one of the world’s leading experts on organized crime and insurgency joins Joe to dissect the murky intersection where illicit economies, state power, and armed conflict collide. We explore how criminal…
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CARTEL CHRONICLES : Inside Mexico's Drug War
In this episode, journalist Ioan Grillo, author of El Narco, Gangster Warlords, and Blood Gun Money, joins Joe to unpack two decades of reporting on Mexico's drug cartels and the broader architecture of the global drug war. A deep dive into the lived reality behind the headlines, from the streets...
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COCAINE : Digging the Roots
Before cocaine reaches Mexico, an entire world has already moved it through forests, fields, and forgotten borderlands. In this episode, our host Joe Collins interviews Toby Muse and digs through the roots of the cocaine trade. Cocaine : Digging the Roots out now!
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HISTORY OF CONFLICT : Mexico's Shaping Forces
In this opening episode of Modern Insurgent: Mexico, Joe Collins speaks with Professor Ben Smith — historian at the University of Warwick and author of The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade. Together, we trace the roots of Mexico’s modern conflict: how colonial legacies, rural...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - The Groypers (America First)
The Groypers, also known as the ‘Groyper Army’ or America First, are a movement of far-right nationalists in the US who first emerged online, but began to also move into the offline world in 2019. The name ‘Groypers’ originates from the Groyper frog image, which rose to popularity as a…
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Sun Yee On
Sun Yee On (新義安), or the New Righteousness and Peace Commercial and Industrial Guild, is the largest and ostensibly most powerful triad society in the world. By some estimates, the organization has more than 55,000 members across the world, making it nearly twice as large as the Hong Kong Police...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Tiger Forces
The Tiger Forces are an elite formation of the Syrian Arab Army that was formed in 2013 by drawing select personnel from other special forces units and reorganizing them under the Air Force Intelligence Directorate, the most prominent Syrian intelligence service. The Tiger Forces were renamed as...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM)
The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) is an Islamic separatist group composed mostly of Uighurs in Xinjiang, China who wish to create an Islamic state called East Turkestan that would include parts of Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Xinjiang. The ETIM…
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ANARCHY IN THE EAST: Unravelling the Role of BOAK in the Ukrainian War
As a wrap-up and bonus, we speak to our Chief Reporter, Michael Archer, to investigate the elusive role of BOAK in the Ukrainian War. Thanks to Michael's work on BOAK (including our documentary on the group), we use primary information to analyse their tactics, alliances, and their broader impact...
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SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE: Inside the World of Wagner PMC in Ukraine
Dive into the shadowy world of the Wagner PMC alongside Bianca Bridger, one of our Managing Editors, in order to explore their role, strategies, and the broader implications of employing mercenaries in modern warfare within the Ukrainian conflict.
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THE DONETSK AND LUHANSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLICS: Origins & Objectives
Explore the emergence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics along with Liam Coyle, our Head of Photojournalism & one of our Contributing Writers. In this episode, we unravel their goals, governance, and complex relations with Russia and Ukraine amidst ongoing regional tensions.
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ORIGINS & TIMELINE: Tracing the Invasion
In this episode, we speak to Michael Godwin (MikeReports) to trace the origins and pivotal moments of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, from Crimea's annexation to the ongoing conflict. An excellent analysis of key events and their impact on the regional and global stage.
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SLAVIC NATIONALISM: Identity & Geopolitics
In this outstanding third episode, we speak to Taras Kuzio, a Political Scientist at National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, to examine the rise of Slavic nationalism in the wake of the Russian invasion. An incredible insight that helps understanding its cultural, historical, and geopolitical...
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THE SHOCK DOCTRINE: Economic & Political Impact
Join us in our second episode featuring Elliott Chapman, PhD student at Leeds Beckett University & Expert on Labour Relations in Post-Soviet Societies, as we delve into the economic and political aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Here, we analyse the dramatic shifts under the shock...
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UKRAINE THROUGH THE AGES: Historical Context
In this first episode, our host Joe Collins speaks to Zbigniew Wojnowski, an Associate Professor at Oxford University, to uncover the deep historical roots between Ukraine and Russia. We explore the complex ties and conflicts that have shaped their turbulent relationship and set the stage for...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación, or CJNG) is one of Mexico's largest and most powerful cartels. It first appeared in 2009 as a splinter group of the Milenio Cartel. The CJNG is mostly recognised for its aggressive tactics and growing influence throughout Mexico....
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Westboro Baptist Church
Listen to this preview of our Patreon-only podcast, where in this episode we talk to our head of Internal Relations and writer, Adrian Cornejo, about the Westboro Baptist Church. The WBC, established in 1955 by a pastor called Fred Phelps in Topeka, Kansas, is a church which has gained a…
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FRINGE - Friends of the Devil (Deadheads)
In this episode of Fringe, we speak to our writer and reporter Patrick Pearson about fans of the rock band The Grateful Dead, who have gained a reputation for fostering seemingly 'cult-like' behaviour and groups of people. An extremely interesting insight with a special and exclusive…
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - CONIFA World Cup (Football for Separatists)
Listen to this preview of our Patreon-only podcast, where in this episode our founder & editor-in-chief Antoine Brimbal speaks about CONIFA - a Football World Cup tournament specifically for separatist states and diasporas. You heard that right. Football + politics in one. What else could one ask...
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FRINGE - Danish Youth Nazis
Amidst surging far-right movements in Europe, neo-Nazi groups have begun forming online. Within these online groups lies a young cohort, often minors, exploiting platforms like Discord and Telegram. In this FRINGE episode, we speak with Mikkel Kristensen, one of our former writers and now a...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC)
The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) is a guerrilla movement fighting for the independence of the Angolan province of Cabinda. After Angola obtained its independence from Portugal in 1975, the territory of Cabinda became an exclave province of the country. Our founder &...
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FRINGE - Somali Pirates
In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by David John Bwakali to analyse the rise of Somali Pirates alongside the influence of regional dynamics and foreign powers. Indeed, the issue of maritime piracy in the Horn of Africa can be traced back to troubled circumstances which extend far...
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Atomwaffen Division
The Atomwaffen Division (German for “Atomic Weapons”) is an international Neo Nazi accelerationist network. The group was founded by members of a now-defunct Neo Nazi internet forum, called the 'Iron March', which catered to younger Neo Nazis hoping to take to real life activism. Our writer…
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FRINGE - Georgian Football Hooligans
In this intense episode, photojournalist John Bolloten joins us to talk about his direct experience with Georgian football hooligans in Tbilisi. During his projects where he photographed the Elita hooligans (which support Dinamo Tbilsi), he experienced the group's operations and its fights…
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Abu Sayyaf
PATREON PREVIEW - In this episode of Atlas Analysis, we speak to Andi Muhammad 'Vio' Basro (one of our writers) about Abu Sayyaf, also known as the IS' East Asia Province. Full episodes of Atlas Analysis only available at patreon.com/moderninsurgent
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - National Socialist Movement (NSM)
PREVIEW - This week's Atlas Analysis episode features our Head of Internal Relations & Writer, Adrian Cornejo, to analyse the NSM in the United States. Full episode only available on our Patreon, at patreon.com/moderninsurgent
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FRINGE - La Luz del Mundo
Our opening episode for our new series, FRINGE, focuses on La Luz del Mundo, the Mexican religious organisation that has been embroiled in multiple scandals and controversies, including their three church leaders having faced accusations of sexual abuse. This eventually led to a high-profile…
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - DHKP-C
PREVIEW - Our second episode of our weekly, Patreon-only podcast invites Ethan Rooney on the microphone to analyse the DHKP-C, a group which has gained attention and notoriety for its attacks in Türkiye against high-level targets.
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ATLAS ANALYSIS - Nation of Islam
Atlas Analysis is a series where our podcast host, Joe Collins, invites our writers and team members to come discuss the groups that we have covered on our website's huge database, over at moderninsurgent.org.The first episode of our exclusive, Patreon-only podcast brings our writer Patrick…
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DECODING THE SYRIAN CONFLICT: Future Implications for the Region
In this final episode of our first season, we wrap up our entire analysis of the Syrian Conflict with Bardia Assefbarkhi, one of our contributing writers. We explore the potential outcomes of the war, as well as some plausible future timelines for the country.
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THE SDF: Shaping Syria's Future? An Alternative?
The Syrian Democratic Forces have been one of the most active insurgencies in Syria. Their operations have heavily influenced Syria's contemporary political landscape, and we explore what the future of the SDF holds for the nation along with Alex McKeever, an expert researcher for the Syrians for...
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UNMASKING ISLAMIC GROUPS IN SYRIA: Dynamics & Impacts
Syria's Civil War has caused the country to become a breeding ground for Islamic terrorist groups. In this episode, we dissect the dynamics and impacts of these radical Islamist groups with Mahmut Cengiz, a renowned author and research associate professor with the Terrorism, Transnational Crime…
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SYRIAN INTERIM GOVERNMENT: Challenges to Power
Having discussed Assad's reign in Syria, we now discuss the Syrian Interim Government with Daniel Hall, one of our Contributing Writers. The SIG has challenged Assad's power in Syria and reveals the omnipresence of sectarian and regional factionalism within the country's political landscape.
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ASSAD'S REIGN: From Rise to Controversy
In this episode, our Managing Editor Edwin Dudley-Tailor joins our host, Joe, to discuss the intricate reign of the Assad family. From Hafez to Bashar Al-Assad, the family has ruled contemporary Syria through a strong grasp on many aspects of everyday life and the country's politics.
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BEFORE THE CHAOS: Syria's Historical Legacy
In this first episode of Insurgency Unmasked, our host Joe Collins explores Syria's historical legacy and its infamous insurgencies with Collin Mayfield, a conflict photojournalist who has worked in Syria.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Modern Insurgent have?
Modern Insurgent currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Modern Insurgent about?
Modern Insurgent's podcast on our world's conflicts, wars, and insurgencies. An investigative and academic dive into contemporary global issues, featuring renowned experts.
How often does Modern Insurgent release new episodes?
Modern Insurgent has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Modern Insurgent?
You can listen to Modern Insurgent on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Modern Insurgent?
Modern Insurgent is created and hosted by The Modern Insurgent.
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