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.
Failing the states? Ali Rizk, security analyst
Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and partially, Syria – a failed state, followed by the implosion of radicalism and terrorism, has been the most typical, if not assured, outcome of Western interventions in the Middle East. As Washington yet again tries to militarily impose its agenda on Iran and Lebanon, how likely is it to fail again? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Ali Rizk, a Beirut-based security analyst.
Boys about Beijing? Patrick Henningsen, Global affairs analyst
Just a week apart, but miles away in tone and substance. The visits to China by the American and Russian presidents have showcased not only the drastic difference in political culture but also the remarkable contrast in the notions of bilateral relationships and the common good among the world’s three great powers. What does this triangular relationship entail for the rest of the globe? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Patrick Hennigsen, a writer and global affairs analyst.
Strait defeat? Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Director of DiploHouse
The US has exhausted its inventories to fuel proxy conflicts overseas, then launched another war in the Middle East that has already precariously depleted its weapons stockpiles, making US President Trump’s peace-making ambitions ruinous to America’s own arsenals and reputation. Does the conflict in Iran effectively mean the end of US military hegemony? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Director of DiploHouse, a Tehran-based think tank.
Making sense of intel? Rick Spence, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Idaho
An old Soviet joke had it that the economy has to be economical, and, in the same vein, intelligence needs to be intelligent. The collapse of the Soviet system showed that it was short on both but, in retrospect, it may have been a worthy, albeit very expensive, historical lesson in statehood. As one nation after another implodes from within or collapses under outside pressure, can security services still offer security to the people they are set to protect? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Rick Spence, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Idaho.
Road to Damascus? Ammar Kahf, Executive Director of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies
A year ago, after the fall of the Assad government, Syria seemed well poised for a new beginning. With Russia and Iran out, and Türkiye and Saudi Arabia squarely in, the path forward appeared clear and unobstructed — that is, until the US-Israeli attack on Iran and its asymmetrical response threw the whole region off balance. Which road is Damascus likely to take next? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Ammar Kahf, Executive Director of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies.
Competence Gulf? Daniel Levy, president of the US/Middle East Project
The US-Israeli attack against Iran and its asymmetrical response have created upheaval in the global energy markets and long-term uncertainty about how the markets and the international system will function in the future. With geopolitical actors increasingly allowing themselves to behave outside any legal, moral, or logical constraints, what is left to preserve and encourage international cooperation or even peaceful coexistence? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Daniel Levy, president of the US/Middle East Project. This interview was held on the sidelines of the 2026 Antalya Diplomacy Forum.