What Just Happened?

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by regional experts Megan Sutcliffe and Claire Brady to assess rising tensions between the United States and Iran as the region remains on high alert ahead of ongoing negotiations. They examine how military build-ups, political pressures, and fragile negotiations could either trigger wider regional conflict or open a path to de-escalation.

Check out Megan's deep dive on Supreme Leader Ali...

In this episode, Marco Giannangeli, Editor for Sibylline Media, sits down with Denise Schipani, Cyber and Geopolitical Intelligence Analyst, to explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats, with a particular focus on the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure in the UK. They discuss how Russian cyber operations are increasingly targeting operational technology — including water systems and other essential services — a...

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 yo...

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 ref...

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 ...

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 t...

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 ...

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 YouTub...

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

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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.

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In this episode, Ignacio is joined by Megan Sutcliffe, Principal Analyst for the Middle East and Africa. Together, they delve into the recent altercation in Tigray between the Tigray Defence Forces and the Tigray Interim Administration. They discuss the strategic interests of the involved parties, the implications of the Pretoria Agreement, and the complex international dynamics at play. Megan provides insight into the historical c...

In this episode, Ignacio is joined by Layla Guest, an intelligence analyst for Eurasia here at Sibylline. Together, they look into the recent peace process negotiations between the US, Ukraine, and Russia, focusing on the 28-point peace plan and its revisions. They discuss the strategic interests of the involved parties, the proposed territorial concessions, and the international reactions. Layla provides insights into the historic...

In this episode, Ignacio is joined by Megan Sutcliffe, Principal Analyst for the Middle East and Africa. Together, they delve into the ongoing conflict in Sudan, focusing on the recent developments in the Darfur region. They discuss the strategic manoeuvres of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), highlighting the humanitarian crisis and international reactions. Megan provides insights into the histori...

In this episode, Ignacio is joined by Alex Marciniak, Intelligence Analyst for Latin America and the Caribbean at Sibylline. Together, they discuss the unexpected results of the Argentinian midterm elections, exploring the significant win for President Javier Milei and his La Libertad Avanza (LLA) party, which outperformed pre-election polling. Alex provides insights into the implications of this victory for Millet's ability to gov...

In this episode, Shiza Abbasi, Principal Analyst for South Asia at Sibylline, joins Ignacio Ayala to discuss the recent armed confrontations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The conversation delves into the factors driving these tensions, including the role of the TTP and the strategic dynamics at play. Shiza provides insight into the potential for escalation and the implications for regional stability, highlighting the complex in...

In this episode, Noam Ostfeld, Principal Analyst for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey at Sibylline, joins Ignacio to discuss the recent surge in nationwide protests across Morocco and the resulting escalation in security risks. The conversation examines the factors driving the unrest, the government’s response, and the implications for businesses and individuals operating in affected areas. Noam provides insight into the gr...

In this episode, Annabelle Walker, Associate Analyst for Europe at Sibylline, joins Ignacio to discuss the recent surge in drone incursions across Europe, with a particular focus on Russian activities in NATO airspace. The conversation explores the implications of these incursions, NATO's responses and potential future indicators of escalating tensions. Annabelle highlights the significance of these events in the context of hybrid ...

In this episode, Ignacio Ayala is joined by Latin America Intelligence Analyst Alex Marciniak to discuss the US naval deployment off Venezuela's coast. The deployment is aimed at combating drug trafficking and exerting geopolitical pressure on the Maduro regime and follows two strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels earlier in September. Together, they explore the roles of Venezuelan criminal organisations and regional reacti...

In this episode, Ignacio is joined by Lewis Galvin, the Lead Analyst for the Americas at Sibylline, to discuss the recent political violence in the United States and the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. They explore the immediate aftermath and the broader implications of this event, examining the responses from high-profile political figures and the role of social media in amplifying political polarisation. Le...