What Just Happened?

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What Just Happened is a short-format podcast featuring the intelligence analysts at Sibylline LTD, a strategic risk firm based in London. Hosted by Samuel McVicar, this podcast features brief conversations with the Global Intelligence Teams, providing updates on major geopolitical events as they occur.

Episodes

5 days ago

What Just Happened? Threats to the UK's Undersea Infrastructure

5 days ago

In this episode of What Just Happened?, Marco Giannangeli is joined by Lead Europe Analyst Alexander Lord and Rear Admiral Chris Parry to examine the growing threat to critical national infrastructure beneath the sea. They explore the recent increase in Russian naval activity and the expanding use of civilian vessels for strategic purposes. The discussion focuses on the vulnerability of undersea cables, the challenges of attribution and plausible deniability, and the risks this poses to the UK and its allies.

Interested in our guest? Rear Admiral Chris Parry, CBE, has had a distinguished record of executive achievement in senior military, public service and private sector roles. He also has an internationally recognised profile and reputation for his future forecasting, thought leadership and academic research across several sectors.

Learn more about Chris via his website: https://chrisparry.org.uk/

Check out Chris' book, 'Sea Power in the 21st Century': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Highway-Power-21st-Century/dp/1908739843

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

For more information, visit our website
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Geopolitics #MaritimeSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberSecurity

Thursday Apr 23, 2026

What Just Happened? Peru’s Chaotic Election Cycle

Thursday Apr 23, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by intelligence analyst Inigo Camilleri De Castanedo to unpack Peru’s chaotic election cycle and the growing tensions surrounding the country’s political future.

They discuss delayed vote counting, allegations of fraud and why a deeply fragmented electoral field has created uncertainty following Peru’s recent elections. They also assess the regional implications of Peru’s political turmoil, including growing security concerns along the borders and what neighbouring governments will be watching closely in the weeks ahead.

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Peru #LatinAmerica #Elections #Geopolitics #PoliticalRisk

Friday Apr 17, 2026

What Just Happened? Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

Friday Apr 17, 2026

In this episode, Sibylline Media Editor Marco Giannangeli is joined by Lead Americas Analyst Lewis Galvin and Professor Alessio Patalano of King’s College London to examine global tensions stemming from the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.

They explore the strategic and legal realities of disrupting shipping through the Strait, including what it would take to enforce a blockade and how such a move would be interpreted under international law. The discussion also assesses Washington’s political calculus, the risks of escalation, and the potential consequences for global trade and energy markets.

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Geopolitics #MaritimeSecurity #Hormuz #GlobalTrade

Friday Apr 10, 2026

What Just Happened? Escalation in Eastern Congo

Friday Apr 10, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Sub-Saharan Africa Analyst Edward Bach to examine the rapidly escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

They unpack the resurgence of the M23 militia, its backing from Rwanda and how recent territorial gains are shifting the balance on the ground. The discussion explores the deeper drivers of the conflict, from resource competition to regional rivalries, and assesses the risks of wider destabilisation across Central Africa.

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#DRC #CongoConflict #Geopolitics #Africa

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

What Just Happened? The China War Dilemma

Wednesday Apr 01, 2026

In this episode, Marco Giannangeli speaks to Sibylline’s Chief Analyst Sam Olsen and Dean Cheng, Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, about what that means in practice — and why Washington may face a stark choice between a long war and risking its credibility.

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

Thursday Mar 26, 2026

What Just Happened? Cuba’s Crisis Under Pressure

Thursday Mar 26, 2026

A major geopolitical test case is unfolding just off the US coastline. Fuel shortages, blackouts, and tightening sanctions are pushing a Caribbean state towards a critical breaking point — after the collapse of Venezuelan oil supplies and renewed US pressure.

In this episode, Lead Americas Analyst, Lewis Galvin, joins his colleagues from the Americas desk, Azul Hidalgo Solá and Inigo Camilleri, to examine the unfolding crisis in Cuba and what it reveals about the intersection of US foreign policy, energy security and geopolitical rivalry.

Join the Sibylline Media mailing list
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Geopolitics #LatinAmerica #EnergyCrisis #USForeignPolicy

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

What Just Happened? Russia’s Growing Threat to the UK

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

In this episode, Sibylline Media Editor Marco Giannangeli is joined by maritime expert Tom Sharpe OBE and Russia expert Keir Giles to examine the growing threat posed by Russian cyber and physical operations targeting European infrastructure. The conversation explores recent incidents involving sabotage and suspected GRU-linked activities and highlights key vulnerabilities across the UK's critical infrastructure.

More info on our guests:
Tom Sharpe OBE is a maritime expert and a defence commentator. He is a partner at a communications consultancy, Special Project Partners (https://www.spp.global/)

Keir Giles is a British writer and expert on the Russian military. You can check out his recent works here:
'Who Will Defend Europe?' - https://amzn.to/3OSsY6W

Latest article in iPaper on UK civil defence and resilience - https://inews.co.uk/opinion/uks-plan-civilians-war-terrifying-4246398

Never miss an episode, subscribe to our podcast mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/podcastsignup

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Russia #Europe #CyberSecurity #Geopolitics

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

What Just Happened? How the Bombing Campaign in Iran Impacts Asia

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Lead Asia-Pacific Analyst Aédán Mordecai to examine how the ongoing US–Israeli bombing campaign in Iran could trigger a major energy shock across Asia. With around 60% of Asia’s crude oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the region is highly exposed to disruptions in global energy markets. They explore how countries across Asia are preparing for potential supply shocks, why China’s large reserves offer some insulation, and how smaller economies such as Bangladesh and Pakistan could face rationing, inflation, and economic strain if the conflict escalates. The conversation also looks at recent US policy decisions, shifting sanctions dynamics, and the broader ripple effects on supply chains, food security, and global markets.

Never miss an episode, join the mailing list:
https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/sibyllinemedia

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Geopolitics #AsiaPacific #EnergySecurity #Iran