In this episode of The Dark State, host John Mooney interviews historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc on the topic of disappearances, a harrowing tactic used in Ireland's political conflicts. From the War of Independence through to the Troubles, both republican and loyalist groups turned to disappearances as a way to eliminate informers and perceived traitors, leaving families and communities devastated.
Ó Ruairc delves into the brutal mechanics of these disappearances, exploring how and why they occurred, and the strategic and psychological aims behind them. Together, they examine the impact on those left behind and discuss how disappearances generated fear, controlled communities, and enforced silence around political violence. The episode also highlights the lingering effects on Ireland’s memory and society, as families continue to seek answers and closure.
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