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.
Trade or fade? Hung Son Nguyen, resident of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam
The pivot to Asia has long become a buzzword in geopolitical circles, as great powers turn their eyes and strengthen their presence in this vast region. But after the Trump administration’s tariffs on many Asian economies and with the threat of more to come, won’t Asia itself have to pivot, both economically and geopolitically? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Hung Son Nguyen, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam.
Renewal or demise? Richard Sakwa, professor emeritus of Russian and European Politics
The expression ‘wanting to have your cake and eat it too’ describes the typical neurotic conflict of pursuing the irreconcilable that seems to be behind a lot of geopolitics these days. Nobody likes the Trump administration’s tariffs or the Gaza slaughter, but doing anything meaningful to resist them seems like too tall an order. Is it possible to arrive at a fairer system without sacrificing some of the good points of the old one? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Richard Sakwa, professor emeritus of Russian and European Politics at Kent University and author of ‘Lost Peace: How the West Failed to Prevent a Second Cold War’. This interview was held on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi.
Unpromised land? Yahia Zoubir, senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs
In its largely unchallenged quest to redraw the map of the Middle East, Israel has already gone beyond what many in the region imagined possible. With no one or nothing to stop it, what should we expect from this seemingly endlessly expanding and besieging Promised Land? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Yahia Zoubir, senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. This interview was held on the sidelines of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi.
Creaking & cracking? Asoke Kumar Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN
“Contradiction” is a word that is frequently used to describe the current American stance on many issues, but perhaps nowhere more so than in Washington’s relationship with India. Still described by top diplomats as strategically important, it creaks and cracks loudly under the weight of the Trump administration’s tariffs. How are the two nations navigating their partnership, and what implications does it hold for the rest of the world? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Asoke Kumar Mukerji, a former Permanent Representative of India to the UN and a Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation.
Profuse with abuse? Akiva Eldar, Israeli author & political analyst
With Israel officially launching its operation to take over Gaza City, Israeli-Palestinian strife seems to have passed the point of no return. After more than 75 years of creeping expansion and deals that weren’t meant to be kept, can the conflict be settled by brute force? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Akiva Eldar, Israeli author and political analyst.
Pros of inter-dependence? Ivan Zuenko, Senior Research Fellow at the MGIMO Institute for International Studies
A Chinese proverb has it that “a close neighbor is better than a distant relative” — a principle fully lived out in the Russian-Chinese relationship, which has won official praise for its unprecedented trust and unlimited potential. Yet, in both countries, there are critics concerned about too much dependency or the constraints this closeness puts on other exchanges. How do Moscow and Beijing navigate their partnership? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Ivan Zuenko, Senior Research Fellow at the MGIMO Institute for International Studies.