The Rest Is Politics

News & Politics

About

Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart discuss politics with insight and respect.

Episodes

  • Divided or Dependent? The Real Gen Z Story

    Vicky Spratt is joined by generations expert Professor Bobby Duffy to examine the unique challenges facing Gen Z. They explore workplace dynamics, evolving attitudes among young people, and the broader questions surrounding the current sta…

  • 530. Is Starmer the Next Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair React to Local Elections

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the aftermath of the UK local elections, examining the performance of Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, Reform, and the Green Party. They also consider the political future of Keir…

  • 529. Antisemitism, Polarisation, and How the King Outplayed Trump

    The Rest Is Politics covers antisemitism, political polarization, and the King's speech to Congress in relation to challenging Trump. The episode also explores the collapse of Russia's security partnership model in Africa.

  • 528. Trump vs. Germany and Farage’s £5m ‘Gift’

    Rory and Alastair discuss Trump's threatened troop withdrawal from Germany, the impact of local election losses for Labour, and the scrutiny surrounding Nigel Farage's £5 million 'gift' from a crypto billionaire.

  • Lucky or Left Behind? The Gen Z Money Story

    Vicky Spratt and Dr. Eliza Filby discuss the financial situation of Gen Z, the value of a university degree, and the role of intergenerational wealth in Britain. They investigate how things are for young people today.

  • 527. Are American Tech Billionaires Threatening British Democracy?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics addresses the relationship between American tech billionaires and British democracy, the UK government's collaboration with Palantir, and the Foreign Office's international humanitarian law unit. It als…

  • 526. Trump's Orwellian Maths and the King's Special Relationship Mission

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the 'special relationship' between America and Britain, debating its current state and future. They also address the implications of Trump's mathematical illiteracy for democracy.

  • 525. JD Vance vs. the Pope and the Far-Right Funding Machine (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discussing JD Vance, the Pope, the funding of the far-right, and nationalism in Scotland and Wales.

  • 524. Starmer’s Mandelson Mess and the Iranian Nuclear Threat

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss Keir Starmer's judgment regarding Peter Mandelson's suitability for public office. They also talk about Donald Trump's Iranian nuclear policy and the implications of the Sudan war.

  • 523. The Starmer-Mandelson Scandal: Lying or Incompetence?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics explores the "Starmer-Mandelson Scandal", specifically focusing on the potential implications for Keir Starmer's leadership and the Labour Party ahead of upcoming local elections. Rory and Alastair disc…

  • Beating Populism: How To Fight Back

    This episode features Alastair Campbell and Liam Byrne in the second part of their discussion on populism. They explore strategies for leaders to counteract populism, touching on historical contexts and figures such as Franklin D. Roosevel…

  • 522. Has Hungary Shown Britain How to Beat Farage? (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics explores the global far-right populist movement, the influence of crypto billionaires on Reform UK, and the potential decline of two-party politics in the UK. Alastair and Rory answer listener questions…

  • 521. Trump’s Naval Blockade: Is America Becoming a Rogue State?

    Trump's naval blockade, its global economic impact, negotiations with Iran, and the collapsing ceasefire are discussed in this episode. The hosts also share what surprised Alastair about his interview with the President of Ukraine, Volodym…

  • 520. Orbán Ousted: Is The Tide Turning Against Far-Right Populism?

    The episode discusses the removal of Viktor Orbán as Hungary's prime minister. It explores what this event could mean for far-right populism globally, and its impact on international figures and relations.

  • 519. Trump's NATO Threat & a Critical Election in Hungary (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Dominic Sandbrook and Alastair Campbell discussing Donald Trump's threats regarding NATO and the upcoming election in Hungary. They also examine Keir Starmer's strategies in light of the Democr…

  • 518. Is Trump a Fascist and is His War on Iran Unwinnable?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Dominic Sandbrook and Alastair Campbell discussing questions surrounding Trump, a potential war with Iran, and Iraq.

  • The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking Over

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Alastair and Liam Byrne discussing the nature of populism, its appeal to voters, and its implications for countries. Byrne shares insights from his research on the topic.

  • 517. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Cuba? (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory and Alastair discussing whether Trump is plotting regime change in Cuba. They also analyze the threats posed by Putin and Netanyahu, and evaluate Starmer's strategy for protecting children…

  • 516. Trump’s Iran Delusion and the Limits of American Power

    The episode discusses the muted opposition to the Iran war within Trump's America and the US's insulation from its impacts. It also examines the potential threat of American tech billionaires to British democracy and the question of bannin…

  • Nineteen Eighty-Four: Dominic Sandbrook on Big Brother, Surveillance, and Fear (The Book Club)

    Dominic Sandbrook and Alastair Campbell delve into George Orwell's 1984. They discuss the novel's themes of Big Brother and surveillance, and its lasting relevance to contemporary politics.

  • 515. Starmer’s Foreign Aid Betrayal, Islamophobia & Australia’s Far Right (Question Time)

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss foreign aid cuts, Australia's political landscape, and claims of Islamophobia against the Conservative and Reform parties. This episode addresses whether UK aid cuts are more extreme than previous…

  • 514. Who Is Profiting from Trump's Iran Catastrophe?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discussing the impacts of Trump's Iran policies on Russia, Israel, and Iran. They also explore potential realignments of Gulf states with Europe and the role…

  • 513. Inside Iran: The Country Trump Cannot Control? (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory Stewart, Alastair Campbell, and Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour. They discuss the US and Western understanding of Iranian culture and the potential future of conflict, specifically regarding…

  • 512. Trump’s Iran Disaster and the GB News Propaganda Machine

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses Trump's Iran policy and its potential benefits for Russia. It also examines GB News's role as a propaganda machine for Reform UK and the issues with England's privatized water and sewerage sys…

  • 511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discussing Tony Blair's criticisms of Keir Starmer's stance on US foreign policy. They also address the role of European leaders regarding Trump and the curre…

  • 510. How The Iran War Is Spiralling Into a Global Crisis

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses the Iran War and its potential to spiral into a global crisis. Rory and Alastair consider if the war is more dangerous than the Iraq War and examine its global consequences.

  • The Future of Warfare: Anthropic vs OpenAI

    Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford discuss the future of AI in warfare. They explore topics such as European AI dependency and the potential for AI to think for itself.

  • 509. Labour's Polanski Problem and the Student Loans Scandal (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses a by-election result and its implications for the Labour Party, the UK's tuition fee system, and the global political landscape. Alastair and Rory answer questions on these topics.

  • 508. Is Starmer Sleepwalking into War with Iran?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Rory and Alastair discussing Keir Starmer's position on a potential war with Iran. They also explore Trump's objectives and the potential scope of Iran's retaliation.

  • 507. The Ayatollah Is Killed - REACTION

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, its impact on the regime, and the reactions to the event. Rory and Alastair explore the implications of this development.

  • 506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses the recent attacks on Iran by Trump and their potential impact on the Middle East and the wider world. The hosts consider whether the attacks are a diversion from the Epstein files and if they…

  • 505. Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years on. It examines Trump's role in negotiations and Ukrainian views on being praised for resilience.

  • 504. Is Trump Losing His Tariffs War? (Question Time)

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss various political topics including Trump's tariffs, the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, and Labour's SEND reforms. They explore the potential impacts of these events.

  • Why Trump Wants Greenland

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses Donald Trump's consideration of invading Greenland, how he believes it would benefit him, and China's role in the Arctic.

  • 503. Andrew’s Arrest: What Next?

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Alastair and Lord Falconer discussing the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. They examine the potential damage to the royal family and King Charles’ response to the event.

  • 502. How Nigel Farage Gets Away With It (Question Time)

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss how Nigel Farage is challenged by the press and the implications for international populism and democratic protection. They also explore the populist playbook and ways to safeguard democracies.

  • 501. Is Starmer Too Soft on Trump? Inside the Munich Security Conference

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the implications of Trump's potential return, European unity, and Keir Starmer's approach, recorded live from the Munich Security Conference. They also cover the involvement of Marco Rubio and JD…

  • The Battle for the Arctic

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Alastair and author Kenneth R. Rosen discussing the geopolitical struggle for control of the Arctic. Topics include Russia's influence in the region, the strategic importance of Greenland, and…

  • 500. Japan, China, and the Fight for Taiwan (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses the potential for conflict between Japan and China over Taiwan following a Japanese election. It also considers the political implications of a Super Bowl performance and the Winter Olympics.

  • 499. Is It Game Over for Starmer?

    This episode features a discussion on Keir Starmer's political challenges, the state of governance in the UK, and the impact of recent revelations regarding Epstein's global influence. Rory and Alastair explore these topics.

  • 498. Alastair Reacts to Starmer-Mandelson Turmoil

    Alastair Campbell provides his perspective on recent political events. He discusses revelations about Epstein's influence, Mandelson's alleged abuse of power, and their potential impact on Keir Starmer's leadership and the broader politica…

  • 497. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Iran? (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discussing various political topics. They delve into questions surrounding Trump's approach to Iran, the implications of leaders openly interfering in o…

  • 496. Mandelson’s Disgrace: How Epstein Poisoned Our Politics

    This episode discusses Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, exploring the influence of the wealthy in British politics. It also considers why prominent figures maintained ties with Epstein after his 2008 conviction and how wea…

  • 495. Terror in Minnesota: The Putinisation of America (Question Time)

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics discusses the killings of protesters in Minnesota, the future of the Conservative centrist movement in British politics, and the impact of rhetoric and political communication on history.

  • 494. Carney’s Trump Fightback and the Starmer-Burnham Fallout

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features discussions on global politics, including Trump's impact on 'middle powers' and the dynamics of the 'Board of Peace.' It also addresses Keir Starmer's leadership within the Labour party.

  • What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?

    In this episode, The Rest Is Politics discusses whether the AI revolution is real or simply hype. Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford are joined by computer scientist Arvind Narayanan to explore the topic.

  • 493. Trump Insults NATO Troops

    This episode of The Rest Is Politics features Alastair and Anthony Scaramucci discussing Donald Trump's remarks regarding NATO troops. They explore the reactions from NATO leaders and the potential consequences for the Western alliance.

  • 492. Should Europe Boycott the World Cup? (Question Time)

    This episode features Rory and Alastair discussing various political topics. They delve into potential international boycotts of the World Cup, Robert Jenrick’s defection to Reform, and the stability of the ceasefire in Syria.

  • 491. Trump at Davos: Rory and Alastair React

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss former President Trump's speech at Davos. They examine the potential repercussions for Greenland and the collaborative strategies Europe and the UK might employ in response to Trump's stated polic…

  • 490. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: What Next?

    Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss Trump’s Greenland ultimatum, examining its potential impact on US-Europe relations and NATO strategy.