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.

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

    3 DAYS AGO

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

    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 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 #Geopolitics #MaritimeSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CyberSecurity

    27 min
  2. What Just Happened? Peru’s Chaotic Election Cycle

    23 APR

    What Just Happened? Peru’s Chaotic Election Cycle

    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   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   #Peru #LatinAmerica #Elections #Geopolitics #PoliticalRisk

    25 min
  3. What Just Happened? Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

    17 APR

    What Just Happened? Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

    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 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 #Geopolitics #MaritimeSecurity #Hormuz #GlobalTrade

    24 min
  4. What Just Happened? Escalation in Eastern Congo

    10 APR

    What Just Happened? Escalation in Eastern Congo

    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 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 #DRC #CongoConflict #Geopolitics #Africa

    28 min
  5. What Just Happened? The China War Dilemma

    1 APR

    What Just Happened? The China War Dilemma

    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 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

    36 min
  6. What Just Happened? Cuba’s Crisis Under Pressure

    26 MAR

    What Just Happened? Cuba’s Crisis Under Pressure

    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 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 #Geopolitics #LatinAmerica #EnergyCrisis #USForeignPolicy

    25 min
  7. What Just Happened? Russia’s Growing Threat to the UK

    19 MAR

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

    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. 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 #Russia #Europe #CyberSecurity #Geopolitics

    17 min
  8. What Just Happened? How the Bombing Campaign in Iran Impacts Asia

    12 MAR

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

    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 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 #Geopolitics #AsiaPacific #EnergySecurity #Iran

    16 min
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About

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.

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