The Modern Insurgent

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 racist-coded version of the Pepe the Frog meme; the Pepe image is often associated with the alt-right. Groypers typically describe themselves as American nationalists and have similar beliefs to the alt-right. Their focus on gathering Gen Z support marks them out as a new type of movement, as they seek to form a base of support among younger people. Groypers present their movement under the wider ideology of Christian nationalism, and exploit divisions in more mainstream right-wing politics to attract disaffected conservatives.In this episode, we speak to our Contributing Writer Ellie Newis about the group and its use of social media to develop a significant outreach.Our article on The Groypers → https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/the-groypers-america-first.Full episode only available at www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent

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 Force. Like most triads, the Sun Yee On is based in Hong Kong, but also operates in mainland China.Triads are Chinese organized crime groups, most often based in Hong Kong. Unlike many Western organized crime groups, such as the Italian mafia, triads are not necessarily organized in a strict hierarchy.In this episode, our host Joey speaks to Jeff Hanrahan once again about the triad. One of the most interesting episodes to date, where we explore its hierarchies, internal dynamics, and cultural ties.Full episode only available at patreon.com/moderninsurgentOur article on Sun Yee On → https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/sun-yee-on

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 the “25th Special Mission Forces Division” in 2019 and placed under Syrian Arab Army command, but they continue operating as a brigade-size special force. They are regarded as one of the most effective military formations loyal to the Baathist regime, having served on almost all fronts while going from strength to strength.Today, we speak to Orlando Miceli, one of our writers, about the group and the mysterious rumours surrounding its leader, Major-General Suheil Salman al-Hassan, nicknamed 'The Tiger'.Full episode only available at patreon.com/moderninsurgent.Orlando's article on the Tiger Forces → https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/tiger-forces

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 was founded in 1997 by Hasan Mahsoum. The US, beginning in the Trump administration, asserts that TIP and ETIM are two separate entities and have removed what they consider to be ETIM from the Terrorist Exclusion List, citing a lack of activity despite the fact that Uighur fighters are present in Syria and Afghanistan. According to a State Department spokesperson, "ETIM was removed from the list because, for more than a decade, there has been no credible evidence that ETIM continues to exist as the same organization that was conducting terrorist attacks in Syria at the time of their designation." This stance has continued with the Biden administration.In this episode, our host Joey speaks to Jeff Hanrahan, one of our writers, about the group. We explore its history within the Xinjiang province, as well as controversy surround the group's existence, leadership, and activities.Our article on the ETIM → https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/east-turkestan-islamic-movement-etim

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 on regional stability and conflict dynamics.

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.

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.

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.

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 ramifications, including the controversial concept of "Russkiy Mir."

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 doctrine and its profound impact on Ukraine's society and governance.

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 contemporary geopolitical struggles.

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. Kidnapping, drug and human trafficking, extortion, and other illicit operations are all methods employed by the group to maintain its effective control over the areas it occupies.In this episode, our host Joey speaks to Adrian Cornejo, one of our writers, about the group. We uncover its legacy within Mexico, internal feuds, and discuss the roots of its notoriety.Full episode only available at www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent.Our article on the CJNG → https://www.moderninsurgent.org/post/jalisco-new-generation-cartel-cjng

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 reputation for its extreme and widely condemned rhetoric and actions. Labeled as a hate group, the WBC is recognised for its inflammatory protests targeting various communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ population, and its provocative slogans. Listen in full only at patreon.com/moderninsurgent. Follow our featured writer on Instagram: @acornjoe_

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 on-the-ground interview with Deadheads at one of the final concerts where the band's original members played together, produced by Patrick Pearson himself. Follow Patrick → @lefthandpat_ Consider supporting our work → www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent

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 for?Full episode only available at www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent.Follow our featured writer on Instagram: @antoine.brimbal

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 journalist at Information.dk. His investigative work uncovered a groundbreaking report on online servers fuelling youth radicalisation in Denmark.Follow Mikkel → @mnhkristensen on TwitterSupport our work → www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent.

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 & editor-in-chief, Antoine Brimbal, joins Joey to explore the group and its current approaches. Full episode only available at www.patreon.com/moderninsurgent. Follow our featured writer on Instagram: @antoine_abb

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 beyond Somalia's individual instability.Follow DJ Bwakali → @djbwakali (IG), @davidjohnbwakali (TikTok)Consider supporting our work → patreon.com/moderninsurgent

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 Robert 'Bobby' Acuña joins us to discuss the group's history and its current actions.Full episode only available at patreon.com/moderninsurgent.Follow our featured writer on Instagram: @rw_acuna138

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 against other rival clans.Follow John Bolloten → @johnbolloten (IG), www.johnbolloten.co.ukConsider supporting our work at patreon.com/moderninsurgent.

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

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

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 trial and a significant blow to the church's reputation.

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.

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 Pearson on the microphone to analyse the Nation of Islam in incredible depth.

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.

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 Truth and Justice (STJ) organisation.

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 and Corruption Center (TraCCC).

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.

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.

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.