I Lived With a Dictator’s Right Hand Man: Here’s What I Learnt - Cillian Dunne | #60
The Next Generation
Noriega Becomes a U.S. Asset
Cillian explains how Manuel Noriega rose as chief of intelligence and became a CIA asset in Central America.
Putting his life on the line, author Cillian Dunne journeyed to Central America to live with Carlos Wittgreen, the right-hand man of Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega. Granted access to hundreds of Noriega’s long-hidden files, and with the first hand testimony of the enforcer himself, Cillian wrote ‘The Right Hand Man’, available here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZMHHKQC/
It was so cool hearing what it was like spending time with such a dangerous man, the various assassination attempts, and the nefarious dealings that took place between the CIA and this revolutionary socialist regime. Check it out!
This production was made possible by DFI Rentals - book gear for your next shoot here: https://www.dfirentals.com/
Subscribe to my Substack to see the bonus questions and send in your own for upcoming guests! https://elliotbewick.substack.com/
Cillian's website: http://therighthandmanbook.com/
Follow Cillian: https://www.instagram.com/dunne.cillian/
CHAPTERS
00:00 What is the Panama Canal and how is it relevant to the rest of the world?
04:26 How did America seize control of the Panama Canal?
09:03 Revolutions and socialism in Panama
17:40 How Noriega got into bed with the USA
23:56 The Iran-Contra Affair
25:42 Assassination attempts on Noriega
28:50 What I uncovered about CIA, DEA & DOJ intervention
35:07 What was the most shocking thing going on at that time?
40:39 The drug trade across borders
45:45 Further unpacking the Iran-Contra Affair
48:54 What was it like spending time with Noriega’s right hand man?
54:58 The power dynamics between global leaders
57:38 What do you want to achieve with your book?
59:43 What do you make of conspiracy theories?
1:04:42 More about Cillian
My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliotbewick/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliotbewick
X: https://x.com/elliotbewick
ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION:
In a world saturated by social media and marked by skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and ADHD among Gen Z, young people are growing up in a landscape of chaos and contradiction. While protests swell in city streets and activists hurl soup at famous artworks to demand climate action, a quieter crisis unfolds within - the mental and emotional battles faced by a generation trying to make sense of it all.
The Next Generation is hosted by 20-year-old Elliot Bewick, offering a raw and honest look at the world through the eyes of those living in it. Bringing together insight from professionals and young people on the ground, this podcast isn’t here to complain or chase clout. It’s here to bend the arc of the modern world towards solutions, truth and a love for the beautiful adventure of life itself.
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