Worlds Apart is a fast-paced, in-depth discussion on the most pressing issues facing the world today.It strives to depart from the traditional Q&A form of interview in favor of a more emotive and engaging conversation. Host Oksana Boyko is not afraid to ask the hard questions that others avoid, with the aim of promoting intelligent public debate.
Engulfed by fury? Pietro Shakarian, historian & lecturer at the American University of Armenia
A week into operation Epic Fury, it does seem to be living up to its title, although, perhaps, not in the way intended. The expanding geography of the strikes and skyrocketing energy prices have seen the fortunes of many American allies go from bad to worse, unable to move either way. Where is this war taking the already shattered global system? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Pietro Shakarian, historian and lecturer at the American University of Armenia in Yerevan.
Tarrific injustice? Zichen Wang, Deputy Secretary-General at the Center for China and Globalization
The US’ behavior vis-à-vis other nations was never particularly subtle, reciprocal, or elegant but, given the country’s preoccupation with domestic politics, many Americans could afford to ignore it. That is, until the arrival of Donald Trump. His swagger, while substantively not much different from what is typically American, now seems too much, even for the US Supreme Court, which ruled last week that most of his tariffs are illegal. What does it mean for the US’ standing in the world and its relations with other nations? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Zichen Wang, deputy secretary-general at the center for China and globalization.
Nuclear implosion? David Swanson, Executive Director at World Beyond War
“The nuclear option” used to denote an extreme measure of the last resort but not to European leaders anymore. Germany, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and even Sweden have all had their leaders muse openly about acquiring nuclear weapons as a means of countering Russia. Is it likely to make the continent a safer place? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by David Swanson, Executive Director at World Beyond War.
Resist to exist? Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative
Hopes, disappointments, violence, and farce – the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has come through so many shades of forced futility that it’s hard to imagine any dignified resolution. Is there any room left for it to get worse before it gets better? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general and co-founder of the Palestinian National Initiative. This interview was held on the sidelines of the 15th Middle East Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Big mouth trap? Bernhard Hommel, professor of psychology, Shandong
For decades now, Western politics has been built around the mantra that perception is reality, that mining emotional wedge issues increases the chances of electoral victory, and that this is indeed the democratic process and the way to make the world a better place. Is it? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Bernhard Hommel, a professor of psychology at Shandong Normal University in China.
All fouled up? Jose Zorilla, Spanish diplomat and author
For the last couple of years, peace in Europe has seemed all but a lost cause, with all the links connecting Russia with the other continental nations being methodically severed over the conflict in Ukraine. But as the American appetite suddenly shifts to Greenland, does it leave an opening for a policy reversal? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Jose Zorilla, a Spanish diplomat and author.