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.
Sugar daddy vs sovereignty? Ulrike Guerot, Founder of the European Democracy Lab
A few years back, it would have seemed like a grotesque sketch, but kowtowing to Daddy in Washington now seems a conscious foreign policy choice by Europe’s elites. The more resentful they are of Russia, the more fawning they seem to become of the United States, despite the ostentatious contempt displayed by the latter. Where is it leading the European project? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Ulrike Guerot, founder of the European Democracy Lab.
Simulating God? Roman Yampolskiy, Associate Professor at the University of Louisville
From Socrates to Albert Einstein, the most advanced thinkers of our civilization have recognized that their ability to understand the nature of reality around them decreases as their knowledge grows. This paradox of consciousness may also apply to Artificial Intelligence, which is now seen as one of the major hopes and risks for humanity. Are we reasoned enough to tell one from the other? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Roman Yampolskiy, associate professor at the University of Louisville and author of AI: Unexplainable, Unpredictable, Uncontrollable.
Ferocity or animosity? Tony Norfield, author of ‘The City: London and the Global Power of Finance’
The Ukraine conflict has turned many geopolitical givens upside down, including the legacy of the Cold War. What seemed like potentially apocalyptic nuclear one-upmanship now appears to be an example of responsible diplomacy; while today, mutually beneficial trade is seen as appeasing a dangerous neighbor. Is there still a way of bridging the continental security and worldview divide in Europe? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Tony Norfield, author of ‘The City: London and the Global Power of Finance’.
Welfare in warfare? Evarist Bartolo, former Maltese minister for European & foreign affairs
From welfare state to warfare state – the EU’s attempt to resolve its structural crises through militarization, under the aegis of a potential conflict with Russia, may allow current politicians to bide their time, but what would it mean for the EU as a governing experiment? Will it be able to retain and manifest the political freedom, economic prosperity, and social cohesion that was once its foundational pillars? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Evarist Bartolo, the former Maltese minister for European and foreign affairs.
Sci-fi and soul? Chen Qiufan, award-winning author
A few years ago, it was cliche to say reality is stranger than fiction, but with the latest geopolitical and technological developments, it’s beginning to sound ominous. As the future continues to impose itself on the present, are there still ways of harmonizing the two and remaining a living, breathing, and feeling human being in the process? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Chen Qiufan, an award-winning Chinese fiction writer and futurist.
Demise of the unwise? Steve Jermy, retired Royal Navy commodore
It’s become a cliche in Western circles to say that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a poor hand of cards but he plays them well. This may seem like a compliment to the Kremlin’s tactical ability, but it ignores the fact that Russia has a lot of hard-power resources to draw upon. How much has this narrative of Putin’s ‘poor hand’ contributed to the conflict against Kiev? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Steve Jermy, a retired Royal Navy commodore and author of ‘Strategy for Action: Using Force Wisely in the 21st Century’.