The Rest Is Politics
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart break down current affairs in the UK and abroad. The Rest Is Politics analyses the latest international news, provides debate on global issues, and reveals secrets from Westminster, whilst bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. With insider perspectives and expert analysis, The Rest Is Politics is the go-to podcast for anyone seeking intelligent, engaging discussions on British and global politics. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Join with a FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com for exclusive bonus content including Rory and Alastair’s first ever miniseries, early access to episodes and live show tickets, ad free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members chatroom. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
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Episodes
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511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Why is Tony Blair criticising Starmer’s approach to Trump’s warmongering in the Middle East? Should European leaders be calling out Trump’s lies more directly? What is actually unfolding inside Iran right now? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – includi...
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510. How The Iran War Is Spiralling Into a Global Crisis
Monday, 9 March 2026
Has Trump unleashed a sequence of events nobody in the world can control? How serious are the global consequences? Is this war even more dangerous than the Iraq war? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Go deeper into the world of The Rest Is Politics by signing up for our free newsletter HERE, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis and weekend reads from Alastair and Rory. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-...
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The Future of Warfare: Anthropic vs OpenAI
Thursday, 5 March 2026
Is Europe sleepwalking into American AI dependency? Are we building toward a world where AI genuinely thinks for itself? And as AI becomes the backbone of modern warfare, who's really in control? Join Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford as they answer all of these questions and more. For the full AI series, sign up at therestispolitics.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to goalhanger.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: James Clayden Producer: India Dunkley ...
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509. Labour's Polanski Problem and the Student Loans Scandal (Question Time)
Thursday, 5 March 2026
Does the Gorton and Denton by-election result suggest Labour has been underestimating the threat of the Green Party? Is the UK's tuition fee system less like a loan and more like a punishing graduate tax? As America retreats from the world stage under Trump, could the UK seize the moment to reassert itself as a cultural superpower? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Sign up HERE to the free TRIP newsletter. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – includin...
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508. Is Starmer Sleepwalking into War with Iran?
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Is Keir Starmer sleepwalking into a war Britain never agreed to fight? What are Trump's real objectives in attacking Iran? How far will Iran's retaliation go? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Sign up HERE to the free TRIP newsletter. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter:...
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507. The Ayatollah Is Killed - REACTION
Sunday, 1 March 2026
With the confirmation of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader confirmed, where does this leave the regime? Who is being targeted in Iran's retaliation attacks and how have Iranians reacted? Is Trump's bet on regime change his biggest gamble yet? Rory and Alastair discuss. ---------------------------- The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://fuseenergy.com/politics ---------------------------- Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ ...
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506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?
Saturday, 28 February 2026
As Tehran launches retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases, how dangerous is this moment for the Middle East and the wider world? Are the attacks an attempt by Trump to shift attention away from the Epstein files? Will any of this lead to regime change in Iran? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, excl...
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505. Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine?
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what's the reality on the ground? Why is Trump still calling the shots on negotiations with Russia, given the huge withdrawal of US military aid? Why are Ukrainians tired of being praised for their resilience? __________ Sign up HERE to the free TRIP newsletter to receive Alastair's diary from Ukraine, and much more. The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's r...
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504. Is Trump Losing His Tariffs War? (Question Time)
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Will Trump escalate his global acts of aggression in response to the dramatic Supreme Court ruling? How will the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor change the course of British royal history? Will Labour’s SEND reforms in the schools white paper strengthen inclusion in mainstream schools or risk stripping essential legal protections from children with special needs? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Sign up for our free newsletter at therestispolitics.com. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com ...
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Why Trump Wants Greenland
Monday, 23 February 2026
Why has Donald Trump considered invading Greenland? How does he think it will benefit him? What is the role of China in the Arctic? And what animals have Russia trained to spy for them? Listen as Alastair and Kenneth R. Rosen answer these questions and more. To hear the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: James Clayden Producer: India Dunkley Senior Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Tom Whiter ...
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503. Andrew’s Arrest: What Next?
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Why has the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten Windsor been arrested? How damaging is this unprecedented moment for the royal family? How effective was King Charles’ response? Join Alastair and the former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Lord Falconer, as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ Join The R...
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502. How Nigel Farage Gets Away With It (Question Time)
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Why is Reform UK's leader not being properly challenged by the press, and how does he get away with it? What does this reveal about the international populist playbook? How can our democracies be better protected? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your ...
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501. Is Starmer Too Soft on Trump? Inside the Munich Security Conference
Monday, 16 February 2026
Why did Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio 'love bomb' Europe at the Munich Security Conference, and how did it compare to JD Vance's infamous 'enemy within' speech this time last year? Is Europe united enough in the face of Trump 2.0? Has Starmer failed to grasp the scale of the rupture posed by Trump's new world order, or is he trying to buy time? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more, direct from the Munich Security Conference. __________ Sign up for our free newsletter at therestispolitics.com. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free tr...
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The Battle for the Arctic
Friday, 13 February 2026
One of the most important political issues of our time - the battle for the Arctic. Why is Russia so dominant there? Why does Trump really want Greenland? And why is Climate Change right at the heart of this?Join Alastair and author Kenneth R. Rosen in the first episode of our new members-only miniseries on the battle for geopolitical control of the icy north, the polar war. To hear the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video ...
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500. Japan, China, and the Fight for Taiwan (Question Time)
Thursday, 12 February 2026
Are Japan and China closer to conflict over Taiwan, after the landslide victory for Japan's 'Iron Lady', Sanae Takayichi? Does Trump’s crumbling American-Hispanic vote explain his extreme reaction to Bad Bunny's historic, Spanish-only Super Bowl performance? Is the Winter Olympics a sign sport is the only thing that can make us feel good right now? __________ Sign up for our free newsletter at therestispolitics.com. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-...
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499. Is It Game Over for Starmer?
Monday, 9 February 2026
As Starmer begins to lose his key aides and allies, is his departure from Number 10 now a matter of when, not if? Is the UK actually becoming ungovernable? Will the latest revelations about the level of Epstein’s global influence bring a reckoning for politics and society as a whole? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show ticke...
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498. Alastair Reacts to Starmer-Mandelson Turmoil
Sunday, 8 February 2026
How should the government and politics as a whole respond to the latest revelations about the scale of Epstein's influence, and Mandelson's abuse of power? If Starmer goes, who and what comes next? Do the events of the last week make a Farage-led Reform government more likely? As Starmer's top aid Morgan McSweeney resigns, Alastair shares his honest thoughts on the shattering events of the last week. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free list...
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497. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Iran? (Question Time)
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Is Trump deliberately wielding chaos as a negotiating tactic with Iran? When did it become acceptable for world leaders to openly interfere in each other's elections, as seen with Orbán's international campaign support? How vulnerable is Starmer's position heading into the Gorton and Denton by-election? Join Rory and Alastair as they discuss all these questions and more. *If you are experiencing technical issues with this episode on Apple Podcasts, please delete and redownload the episode* __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and con...
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496. Mandelson’s Disgrace: How Epstein Poisoned Our Politics
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
What do Peter Mandelson's ties to Jefferey Epstein reveal about the influence of the rich and powerful in British politics? Why did so many prominent figures continue associating with and supporting Jefferey Epstein after his conviction in 2008? How do wealthy elites exploit political systems, and what structural reforms can protect democracies from corruption? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s mi...
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495. Terror in Minnesota: The Putinisation of America (Question Time)
Thursday, 29 January 2026
*This episode contains content that may not be suitable for younger listeners* What do the killings of protesters by ICE in Minnesota reveal about the state of democracy and truth in the Trump era? Is there still a viable political future for a Conservative centrist movement in British politics? Can rhetoric and political communication genuinely change the course of history? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our ...
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494. Carney’s Trump Fightback and the Starmer-Burnham Fallout
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Can the 'middle powers' escape Trump's grip and build a world beyond American and Chinese dominance? What is the 'Board of Peace' and why is Trump its chairman for life? Is Starmer’s ‘control-freakery’ shooting Labour in the foot? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ __________ Instagram: @re...
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What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?
Sunday, 25 January 2026
Is AI a revolution, or just another slow-moving general technology? Are we mistaking hype for inevitability? And, can a technology this unreliable really reshape civilisation? Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford are joined by award winning computer scientist, Arvind Narayanan. To hear the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Lorcan Moullier Producer: India Dunkley Senior Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Tom White...
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493. Trump Insults NATO Troops
Friday, 23 January 2026
Why has Trump chosen to denigrate the sacrifice of allied soldiers? Are Keir Starmer and other NATO leaders finally reaching a breaking point with the US President? And what does this mean for the future of the Western alliance at such a critical moment? Join Alastair and Anthony Scaramucci, Trump’s former Communications Director and co-host of The Rest is Politics US, as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ h...
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492. Should Europe Boycott the World Cup? (Question Time)
Friday, 23 January 2026
Could Trump’s continued Greenland threats spark international boycotts of the World Cup? Does Robert Jenrick’s chaotic defection to Reform strengthen or weaken the Conservatives? How stable is the ceasefire in Syria, and should it be celebrated as a major victory for Trump? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-ba...
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491. Trump at Davos: Rory and Alastair React
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
What does Trump's rambling speech to world leaders at Davos mean for Greenland? Are Europe and the UK ready to act together against Trump's threats? And what lessons does Mark Carney's approach to Trump offer on how middle powers should respond to Trump's brazen foreign policy? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an...
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490. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: What Next?
Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Is the US now an adversary for Europe? Has Europe's appeasement strategy failed? How should NATO respond if appeasement is no longer an option? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/politics. Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/restispolitics It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee ✅ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus conten...
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Will AI End Humanity?
Thursday, 15 January 2026
If there is even a 1% chance that AI could destroy us, should we keep building it? Are we creating machines that will one day outthink humanity? And is the race to dominate AI accelerating us toward a future we’re unprepared to face? This week, Yoshua Bengio joins Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford for an AI deep dive. A Turing Award–winning pioneer of deep learning, Bengio helped build the field, and is now one of its most urgent critics, warning that without restraint, the risks ahead could be profound. To listen to the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @rest...
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489. Musk's AI Deepfake Disgrace & JD Vance's Minnesota Lies (Question Time)
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Will the UK ban 'X' over explicit, nonconsensual deepfake images of women and children generated using its AI tool? What does JD Vance's outburst against the Minnesota ICE shooting victim tell us about the misinformation age? After the attacks on Rory over the weekend from The Telegraph, Spectator, and Boris Johnson in the Daily Mail, what is it about Rory that so reliably enrages the right-wing press? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ The Rest Is Politics is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy...
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488. Is Iran on the Edge of Revolution?
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Could the Iran protests finally break the Supreme Leader’s brutal reign, or will the regime's deadly crackdown contain the unrest? If the US intervenes militarily, what would a Trump-style plan for Iran look like? Why are tensions rising in Yemen between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and could their conflict reignite one of the world's worst humanitarian crises? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more. __________ Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your free trial at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair’s minis...
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China vs USA: Who Will Win the AI Race?
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Who really controls AI; governments, corporations, or no one at all? Is AI becoming a new kind of global arms race? And, can we keep humans in charge of systems that move faster than we do? Rory and Matt are joined by President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar. Tino is a former justice on the Supreme Court of California, an executive appointee to the Clinton, Obama and Biden administrations and a Professor of Law at Stanford University. To listen to the full episode, sign up at therestispolitics.com Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: ...
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