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

Friday Feb 13, 2026

What Just Happened? Mounting Tensions in Tigray

Friday Feb 13, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Lead Middle East and Africa Analyst, Ben Manzin, to examine Ethiopia’s fragile 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement amid mounting clashes and rising geopolitical tensions in Tigray. They unpack how internal power struggles, shifting regional alliances, and decades-old ethnic disputes threaten to unravel years of diplomacy — and what that could mean for millions of civilians in the region.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, and 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

#Ethiopia #Tigray #PretoriaAgreement #Geopolitics

Monday Feb 09, 2026

Russia at War: Drones, Disinformation, and the Increasing Threat to Europe

Monday Feb 09, 2026

In this special Sibylline Podcast, Lead Europe-Eurasia analyst, Alexander Lord, is joined by Elizabeth Bullock, who shares her firsthand experiences of Russia's modern war. Elizabeth discusses her journey from a technology startup background to operating on the front lines in Ukraine for 3 years, offering a rare perspective on how Russia's war unfolded in its early stages and how daily life has been reshaped across Ukraine. She reflects on the initial chaos of the invasion, the rapid adaptation required to survive in war zones, and the stark realities faced by civilians and foreigners alike. The conversation explores the constantly evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly Russia’s use of hybrid tactics.

Elizabeth highlights the threats facing Europe, especially the challenges posed by disinformation campaigns. The episode also examines the broader implications for European security, underlining the need for greater awareness and preparedness across the continent.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9OJIcOkqVf8

If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a like and subscribe for new episodes!
You can also contact us with any questions or feedback: info@sibylline.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/
For more information, visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk

#GeopoliticsPodcast #Ukraine #HybridWarfare #EuropeanSecurity

Thursday Jan 29, 2026

What Just Happened? China, Taiwan, Western Fragmentation and the Looming 'Polycrisis'

Thursday Jan 29, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Sibylline's Chief Analyst, Sam Olsen, to explore the concept of the 'polycrisis' — the convergence of geopolitical, technological, and economic risks threatening global stability in the coming years. Sam Olsen explains China’s growing assertiveness, Taiwan’s strategic vulnerabilities, and the critical importance of semiconductors and AI in shaping future power dynamics. The conversation also addresses the challenges facing NATO and European security, the use of grey-zone operations by Russia and China, the risk of domestic instability in the United States, and the growing need for resilience in an increasingly complex and interconnected threat environment.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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

#Polycrisis #Geopolitics #GlobalSecurity #NATO #China #Taiwan #AI

Friday Jan 23, 2026

What Just Happened? Trump's Greenland Deal

Friday Jan 23, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Lead Americas analyst Lewis Galvin to unpack President Trump’s recent announcement regarding a potential deal involving Greenland. They explore the military and economic implications of the proposal, assess the fragility of the agreement, and examine sovereignty concerns for both Denmark and Greenland. The discussion also covers NATO’s response, the strategic importance of Greenland in the context of US foreign policy, and the role of the proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system. The episode concludes by identifying key triggers and indicators to watch for future developments in this evolving geopolitical landscape.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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

#Greenland #USForeignPolicy #NATO #Geopolitics

Friday Jan 16, 2026

ROUNDTABLE: Regional Implications Following Maduro's Capture

Friday Jan 16, 2026

Lead Americas Analyst Lewis Galvin is joined by Claire Brady, Principal Analyst for North America, and Alex Marciniak, Intelligence Analyst for Latin America and the Caribbean at Sibylline, to discuss the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela.

They explore the strategic implications of the operation, the geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy, and review the broader impact on the region's stability.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV
For more information, visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk

#VenezuelaCrisis #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics

They explore the strategic implications of the operation, the geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy, and review the broader impact on the region's stability.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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.

#VenezuelaCrisis #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #LatinAmerica #Maduro

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

What Just Happened? Oreshnik Missile Strike in Ukraine

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Karan Vassil, Intelligence Analyst on the Eurasia desk here at Sibylline, to explain the recent Russian Oreshnik missile strike against Lviv in western Ukraine. They explore the strategic implications of the Oreshnik missile strike, discuss the geopolitical tensions surrounding NATO borders, and review the broader progress of the war throughout 2025.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

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

#RussiaStrikes #UkraineConflict #Geopolitics #NATO

Friday Jan 09, 2026

What Just Happened? New Protests in Iran

Friday Jan 09, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Megan Sutcliffe, Principal Analyst for the Middle East and Africa to take a look at the ongoing protests in Iran, driven by economic frustrations amid broader geopolitical tensions. They discuss the government's response, including internet blackouts, and explore the potential for escalation and regional implications.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://youtu.be/xsTNBW-bXuU

Check out our Deep Dive on the IRGC:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-power-players/id1409741776?i=1000717743332

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4y2Q9HbXB1djSsAuip9j1A?si=DrEUrmETSJ2-pxmVbQMbUA

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.

#IranProtests #Tehran #Geopolitics #Iran

Tuesday Jan 06, 2026

What Just Happened? Maduro Captured in US Military Operation

Tuesday Jan 06, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by the former host of What Just Happened to say farewell and discuss the recent US military operation in Venezuela, known as Operation Absolute Resolve. Together, they explore the strategic implications of the operation, the historical context of the Maduro regime crisis, and the potential future scenarios for Venezuela's political landscape.

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

#Venezuela #USMilitary #OperationAbsoluteResolve #PoliticalCrisis