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.
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Social Producer: Celine Charles
Lead Video Editor: Josh Smith
Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne
Producer: Evan Green
Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer
General Manager: Tom Whiter
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Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell provide a critical analysis of Donald Trump's highly anticipated, yet rambling, speech at Davos, detailing its content of familiar lies, misrepresentations, and surprising demands for Greenland and Iceland. They discuss the disturbing deference shown by world leaders and businesses, contrasting it with Mark Carney's call for "middle powers" to unite. The hosts emphasize the urgency for Europe and the UK to develop a unified, courageous response to Trump's divisive and dangerous foreign policy, warning against appeasement.
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss Donald Trump's shocking demand for Greenland and his imposition of tariffs on European allies, arguing it aligns with Russia's goal of dismantling Western unity. They analyze the "Putinization" of the US presidency, where Trump prioritizes performative cruelty over traditional diplomacy and international law. The hosts examine Europe's limited options given its deep dependence on the US, contrasting appeasement with bolder strategies for resisting Trump's destructive actions and the potential for a new global order.
Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award-winning AI pioneer, warns about the profound risks of advanced AI, including its capacity for deception, strategic self-preservation, and unpredictable 'system two' reasoning. He highlights the difficulty in understanding AI's internal processes and its increasing ability to devise complex strategies, leading to a 10-20% perceived risk of catastrophic outcomes among researchers. Bengio remains optimistic, proposing a technical path to 'safety by design' through intention-less oracle AIs and robust guardrails to ensure AI serves humanity without posing existential threats.
This episode delves into pressing political and societal issues, beginning with Elon Musk's Grok AI deepfake scandal, highlighting the urgent need for tech regulation and accountability. Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell also address the right-wing media's attacks on Stewart, the implications of Tory defections to Reform UK, and the broader problems within the Conservative party. The discussion then shifts to the alarming misinformation propagated by figures like JD Vance regarding the Minnesota ICE shooting, exposing the fragility of truth in the current American political climate and the problematic culture of institutions like ICE.
Rory and Alistair delve into the current wave of protests and severe crackdowns in Iran, examining the regime's historical resilience, economic triggers, and the potential for internal or external factors to lead to collapse. They also analyze the re-emerging conflict in Yemen between Saudi and UAE-backed factions, highlighting the broader power struggle between the two Gulf states. Finally, the discussion shifts to the melting Arctic, exploring Russia and China's strategic advancements and the geopolitical implications of US unpreparedness in the region.
This episode delves into the intense AI rivalry between the US and China, examining different geopolitical strategies, the role of corporate interests, and the challenges of global technological cooperation. Guests Rory, Matt, and Tino Cuella analyze the impact of US export controls on chip technology, the "DeepSeek" moment that questioned their effectiveness, and the intricate global supply chain for advanced AI. The conversation highlights the ongoing debate about balancing national advantage with the potential for shared technological benefits.
Rory and Alastair delve into Keir Starmer's recent comments regarding closer alignment with the EU single market and customs union, debating the political strategy and impact of Brexit. They analyze the Australian government's response to the Bondi Beach terror attack and the contentious debate around establishing a Royal Commission. The discussion also covers the existential risks of AI, the motivations of its developers, and the lack of political engagement on this critical issue. Finally, they examine the ethical implications of a Shadow Attorney General representing Roman Abramovich in a high-profile case involving frozen funds for Ukraine.
The episode dissects Donald Trump's performative capture of Maduro in Venezuela, drawing parallels to his potential ambition to seize Greenland, examining the economic and political motivations behind such actions. It then pivots to Moldova, highlighting its history, its struggle for EU integration amidst Russian interference, and the broader implications for international law. The hosts critique Europe's cautious response to global challenges, emphasizing the need for unity and a strong narrative to counter rising authoritarianism and maintain stability in regions like Ukraine.
This emergency podcast dissects the dramatic US military operation in Venezuela, where President Maduro was captured. Rory and Alastair discuss the legality of the intervention, Trump's disregard for international law, and the profound challenges facing Venezuela's shattered economy and political landscape post-Maduro. They explore the implications for global stability, Latin American relations, and the dangers of a world where powerful nations act without international consensus.
In this Question Time episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell review their 2025 predictions, focusing on Donald Trump's unprecedented actions and their long-term impact on global institutions. They delve into serious geopolitical concerns for 2026, including the potential for war in Europe, the erosion of NATO's Article 5, and the challenges posed by emerging AI technologies and shifting power dynamics in Africa and Asia. The discussion also touches on the reintroduction of national service, controversies surrounding the G20, and lightens up with a debate on what constitutes a 'national treasure' and dream Prime Minister's Questions matchups, concluding with a message of hope.
Alistair and Rory discuss New Year's resolutions for major UK political parties, focusing on Labour's growth strategy and the Tories' need to acknowledge past mistakes, alongside the Lib Dems' and Reform UK's challenges. The conversation then expands globally, examining the impact of "black swan" events, Trump's consistent "America First" agenda, and the potential for the Global South to form a non-aligned bloc. They highlight the growing importance of historical narratives in geopolitics and the alarming rise of right-wing extremism in European elections, urging Europe to seek strategic autonomy.
This Christmas special sees Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell reflect on 2025, from the unexpected chaos of Trump's presidency to their personal highlights, including unique travel experiences and favorite cultural events. They also share their top book, film, and TV recommendations, concluding with their choices for the most impactful campaigner of the year, spanning political figures and vital health awareness initiatives.
In their Christmas Eve special, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell offer a lively review of the past year in politics, debating their picks for best and worst UK and foreign politicians, including Zach Polanski, Emmanuel Macron, and Mark Carney. They also discuss the most consequential political moments, from Trump's Oval Office meeting with Zelensky to his unexpected tariffs, and highlight impactful speeches, alongside delving into under-discussed domestic and international issues like the AI revolution and the situation in Gaza. The episode concludes with personal reflections on human frailty and the search for consolation.
Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford explore AI's economic implications, questioning if it's a bubble or a productivity revolution. They discuss how AI could displace entry-level jobs, the challenges of retraining displaced workers, and the UK's imperative to adopt AI to maintain global competitiveness. The conversation also delves into the political economy of AI, examining wealth distribution, the viability of universal basic income, and the ultimate choice of whether society should control or embrace this transformative technology.
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell delve into critical global and domestic issues, beginning with Trump's complex and often contradictory approach to Latin America, examining the region's political shifts and the US-China rivalry for influence. Domestically, they scrutinize the UK House of Lords, discussing its constitutional role, the challenges of legislative scrutiny, and the pressing need for reform amidst ongoing party maneuvering. The episode also highlights the underreported Palestine Action hunger strike, contrasting its media coverage with historical events, and concludes by reflecting on how long-form podcasts are becoming a vital platform for nuanced, in-depth political discussion.
This episode delves into the escalating threat of Russian influence in the UK, examining how Putin's evolving strategies involve hybrid warfare, information operations, and support for far-right groups across Europe. The hosts critically assess Britain's diminishing capacity to counter these threats due to years of underinvestment in diplomacy and intelligence. The discussion also covers the legal complexities of unlocking frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and reflects on a horrific anti-Semitic attack in Australia, highlighting broader global instability.
Rory Stewart and AI advisor Matt Clifford delve into how Artificial Intelligence will reshape life and work. They discuss AI's current economic impact, the billion-fold increase in investment, and the fierce competition for talent. The conversation also explores AI's capabilities, the concentration of power among a few companies and nations, and the existential questions surrounding its control and future.
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss major political issues, starting with Reform UK's massive crypto donation and the need for stricter political funding regulations. They then tackle the dire prospects for young Brits facing job rejections, rising debt, and AI's impact, linking it to debates around economic policy. The conversation also provides a stark look at the ongoing Gaza situation, contrasting Trump's claims of peace with the reality of humanitarian challenges and broader, unreported global instability.
Rory and Alastair dissect Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy, revealing a radical departure from past US foreign policy. The document dismisses traditional adversaries like Russia and China, instead focusing on Europe as a "vassal" and promoting nationalist, far-right parties. The hosts explore the historical context, the US's explicit aggression, its use of financial and tech leverage, and the potential for a chaotic world order where the US believes it will thrive alone, making Europe acutely vulnerable.
This episode delves into the economic ideas of Green Party leader Zack Polansky, scrutinizing his understanding of fiscal policy and the implications of Modern Monetary Theory. Rory and Alistair also tackle the serious allegations of Russian influence within UK political parties, questioning the lack of robust media scrutiny. The hosts engage in a passionate debate about proposed changes to Britain's long-standing jury system amidst court backlogs and discuss the media's failure to adequately cover the urgent climate emergency.
Alastair and Rory delve into the UK's political landscape, questioning Labour's economic direction, Rachel Reeves's strategy, and the media's often biased and detail-averse coverage of government policies and opposition proposals. They then pivot to international affairs, exploring Donald Trump's commercially driven Ukraine peace initiatives, his intimidating relationship with the media, and his highly questionable interventions in Honduras and Venezuela, including pardoning convicted drug traffickers. The discussion highlights the complexities of modern politics and journalism.
Forget what you think you know about reality. The Rest Is Science is a mind-bending new show from Goalhanger that tears down familiar ideas… time, randomness, beauty, it will reveal just how bizarre the world truly is. Join Professor Hannah Fry and science creator Michael Stevens (aka Vsauce) twice a week to explore big, small and surprising questions as they deep dive into theories, concepts, objects and thoughts and take us on a journey into the unexpected. If you love digging into details tha...
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell dissect Rachel Reeves's budget, which aimed for stability amidst a chaotic, leaked rollout. They explore its measures, including new taxes and frozen thresholds, and how it was received by markets, the public, and Labour's own MPs. The discussion also covers the Conservatives' aggressive response, the budget's lack of radical reforms for growth, and its failure to address critical issues like AI and Brexit's economic impact.
This episode explores the growing chasm between European and US strategies for Ukraine, with Europe questioning US reliability and facing the imperative to independently bolster its defense. It analyzes the utility of global forums like the G20 and COP in an era of US disengagement and varying international agendas. The hosts also delve into the significant but underreported scandal of Russian interference in UK politics, exemplified by Nathan Gill's conviction, and shed light on the dire economic situation in the West Bank.
A leaked "peace plan" for Ukraine, allegedly drafted by Trump's negotiator and a Russian counterpart, is exposed as a forced surrender destroying Ukraine's sovereignty and offering cynical financial gains for the US. The hosts dissect the plan's 28 points, revealing its alignment with Russian demands and the significant concessions Ukraine would be forced to make. The episode also explores the geopolitical implications, European leaders' reactions, and the wider threat to liberal democracy posed by such proposals and figures like J.D. Vance.
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell discuss the damning findings of the COVID-19 inquiry, exposing Boris Johnson's chaotic leadership and a pervasive "groupthink" that crippled the UK's pandemic response. Stewart recounts how his early calls for lockdown were actively suppressed by the government, highlighting systemic complacency and amateurism. The episode analyzes the media's role, the opposition's silence, and the profound economic, educational, and mental health costs of delayed and indecisive action, urging critical lessons for future threats like AI and geopolitical aggression.
Rory and Alastair explore a range of international and domestic political challenges, from Japan's provocative stance on Taiwan against China's historical claims to Chile's alarming swing back towards authoritarianism, echoing past dictatorships. They also examine the intractable Israel-Palestine conflict amidst rising settler violence and discuss Europe's struggle with clean energy transition. Domestically, the podcast scrutinizes the BBC's impartiality issues and the future of satire in an increasingly unserious political landscape, concluding with a debate on youth engagement, voting age, and critical education in the face of widespread fake news.
This episode delves into the turmoil within the Labour Party, examining their declining poll numbers, the "hokey cokey" on tax policies, and a new tough stance on asylum reforms. Rory and Alastair also explore the growing influence of Christian nationalism in US politics, discussing figures like Nick Fuentes and Marjorie Taylor Greene, and critically assessing the threat of fascism in America through the lens of Umberto Eco's definitions.
This episode delves into the controversy surrounding Keir Starmer's leadership, dissecting claims of internal sabotage and strategic blunders. Rory and Alistair explore Gen Z's political awareness and cynicism, question women's safety in Mexico following a presidential incident, and examine the worrying trend of declining democracy in Africa, exemplified by Tanzania. The discussion also highlights Norway's innovative rainforest preservation efforts and concludes with Alistair's personal reflections on the impactful political career of Dick Cheney.
Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart delve into the surprising election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's mayor, analyzing his charisma, unique communication style, and the significant challenges of governing. They also discuss the complex political shifts in Central Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, where populist figures are gaining traction. The hosts further examine Donald Trump's controversial engagement with Syria's Al-Shara, highlighting Trump's "bulldozer" approach to foreign policy and its potential impact on the region, underscoring how modern politics defies traditional expectations.
