The Dark Shining Moment Countercast

It was the moment the 21st Century began in earnest: In 2016, Russia reached out across the internet and interfered with America’s democracy, setting the conditions that helped propel Donald Trump into the White House.

Dark Shining Moment tells the story of the first people to detect Russia’s interference - before that pivotal election. It’s a narrative about how information has been used to create a new reality for the public, for democracies and for the world - kicking off the crisis we’re in today.

While the first six episodes titled Dark Shining Moment tells the story of how Russia exploited the internet, The Dark Shining Moment Countercast examines some of the promoted narratives coming out of authoritative regimes. Identifying such disinformation is just part of the puzzle. The Countercast will also explore how democracy can thrive in the digital age because, in the information age, narrative doesn't just inform a society--it shapes the questions that people ask.

Politics
1
The China, Russia and U.S. narrative contest in...
In the current stage of emerging great power competition, influence is eveything.
36 min
2
US Election Proves to be 'World Cup' of Interfe...
There has been a surge of foreign interference aimed at the US during the presidential campaign between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
25 min
3
A Longer View of Russia, Colonialism and the We...
Amid the current clash in geopolitical narratives, understanding the history and culture of Russia tells us a lot about the present. Ex-diplomat and translator Kyle Wilson shares his story. Host: Chris Zappone.
41 min
4
US Blames Russia for Interfering in 2024 Electi...
Alleged US election year plot by RT to shape views within the US by rightwing pundits. ANU professor Matt Sussex discusses. Host: Chris Zappone
24 min
5
US Accuses Russian Media Outlet RT of Covert Ac...
The US blames Russia's propaganda outlet for conducting covert activities. Australia's ex-ambassador to Russia, Peter Tesch, discusses. Host: Chris Zappone
23 min
6
Dark Shining Moment Episode 6: The Moment That ...
After the election, society is altered with many people left angry and distrustful of each other. Russian subversion is aimed against both left and right.
37 min
7
Dark Shining Moment Episode 5: Evil at Scale
With a shared understanding of the presidential campaign shattered, information chaos reigns.
37 min
8
Dark Shining Moment Episode 4: Murky World Batt...
An enormous noise is generated online, disrupting the media's ability to report.
38 min
9
Dark Shining Moment Episode 3: A Shift in Tone
Russian state media sows the seeds of distrust and polarisation.
38 min
10
Dark Shining Moment Episode 2: Poor Man's NSA
The trail from terror websites to social media troll networks.
34 min
11
Dark Shining Moment Episode 1: School of Fish
An office in St Petersburg mysteriously tied to Afghanistan and conspiracy.
25 min
12
Dark Shining Moment, Trailer
The story of how Russia exploited the internet to interfere in America’s 2016 election, altering history and helping to create the world we live in today.
3 min