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.
Birthday blues? Aaron Good, political scientist & author of ‘American Exception: Empire and the Deep State’
Since its inception, the US has taken pride in its unique sense of national destiny and purpose, which supposedly set it apart from all other nations. As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, its exceptionalism is increasingly taking on more ominous tones, routinely breaking not only international law but also basic norms of decency and sanity. Why do the Americans still find it cool to be the exception to the rule?
Weakened by strength? Anusar Farooqui, geopolitical analyst & author of the Policy Tensor Substack
Might and power have always been at the center of geopolitics, but over the last couple of decades and especially the last few months, the definition of what it means to be a powerful or weak nation has shifted dramatically. In the US-Israeli war against Iran, who has the greatest ability to influence the outcome or to sustain damage? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Anusar Farooqui, a geopolitical analyst and author of the Policy Tensor Substack.
Cursed bromance? Peter Kuznick, professor of history, American University
Four months into the third Gulf War, and the seemingly unbreakable bond between the US and Israel has shown some public and obscenity-laden cracks. As Netanyahu continues to thwart Trump’s ceasefire efforts, where is this relationship and where is the geopolitical mess it engendered likely to move next? To discuss this, Oksana is joined by Peter Kuznick, professor of history and director of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University.
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.