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.
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.
Backyard Piracy? Paul Dobson, political commentator
Days after publishing a new National Security Strategy, which calls for a strong US hand in Latin America, the Trump administration doubled down on Venezuela, seizing a large oil tanker and promising more to come. What does this American swashbuckling in the Caribbean portend for Caracas and the region as a whole? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Paul Dobson, a political commentator based in Venezuela.
Tariffic economics? Cyrus Janssen, Geopolitical analyst
In the realist terms of great power competition, security always trumps economics, which is why trade was the first victim of the proxy conflict between Russia and the West in Ukraine as well as the current power play between the United States and China. What will be left of the global economy after the great powers have had their way with it? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Cyrus Janssen, a geopolitical analyst and YouTuber.
Found & lost? Robert Barnes, lawyer & political commentator
In his drive to make America great again, US President Donald Trump has promised to democratize American governance and make ordinary Americans stakeholders in their own system, but a year into his second term, many in his own party are accusing the White House of arrogance and of betraying America First priorities. Why is it so hard for America to bridge the divide between preaching and practicing? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Robert Barnes, a lawyer and political commentator.
Stores of stories? Gita Wirjawan, Former Indonesian Minister of Trade
“My way or the highway” seems like a very limiting and rather bare-knuckle ultimatum, but as the rivalry between China and the United States gathers momentum, it’s increasingly being pushed on nations in Asia and beyond. Where is the continent likely to pivot as the drive to both upset and benefit from its development intensifies? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Gita Wirjawan, an Indonesian entrepreneur and the country’s former Minister of Trade.