Vietnam's triumph in Moscow spotlight - Eastern Express - TVP WORLD

Russia has revived its Soviet-era “Intervision” song contest as a state-approved alternative to Eurovision. The glittering spectacle crowned Vietnam’s Duc Phuc as its first champion, but politics were never far from the stage. From the mysterious absence of an American contestant to the contest’s heavy emphasis on “traditional family values,” Intervision revealed itself as soft power in sequins. What does this say about Russia’s cultural ambitions – and its global alliances? In this episode of Eastern Express, we unpack the politics behind Moscow’s newest export.