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.
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.
Reconsidering evil? Tuomas Malinen, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Helsinki
Over the last couple of weeks, the idea of engaging Russia on matters of common security has once again resurfaced in Europe, after being treated as an act of geopolitical blasphemy, if not treason, for several years. Is it yet another ploy to appease the sugar daddy in Washington, or are the European elites are finally stepping up to the plate? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Tuomas Malinen, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Helsinki.
Lost without a cause? Philip Hammond, Emeritus Professor of Media & Communications, London South Bank University
Just a year ago, pronouncements about Western unity, solidified by shared liberal values on the inside and aggressive barbarism on the outside, seemed ubiquitous and straightforward, but it’s hard to look at them with a straight face anymore. Putting aside its supposedly unbreakable unity, will the West itself — as a political, economic and military bloc — survive the year 2026? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Philip Hammond, Emeritus Professor of Media and Communications, at London South Bank University.
Psyched history? Jiang Xueqin, Historian
Since time immemorial, thinkers and leaders have used history to understand the present and plan for the future. But after the unconscionable carnage of the 20th century, with its pleas of ‘never again’, claims of being on the ‘right side’ of history seem to have taken precedence over the study of it. Is it still possible to keep history from being molested by geopolitics? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Jiang Xueqin, a historian and host of the Predictive History YouTube channel.
Diplomacy not diktats? Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s minister of foreign affairs
For many decades, Iran has been one of the harshest critics of American imperialism and impunity. It negotiated deals with the West, only to see them thrown out and find itself deeply struck by US sanctions or bombs. And yet, as its officials have indicated, it is still open to genuine diplomacy with the Trump administration. On what terms? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s minister of foreign affairs.