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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Alistair Campbell shares his intense frustration and concern following the latest Epstein files, particularly regarding Peter Mandelson's close ties and Keir Starmer's handling of the fallout. He criticizes media hypocrisy and warns that the "they're all the same" narrative risks empowering Nigel Farage and further destabilizing British politics. Campbell expresses deep anxiety over the future, fearing a decline into slogan-over-substance governance and global instability.
Rory and Alistair explore the complex dynamics of US-Iran relations, questioning whether Trump's military posturing is a deterrent or a risk for conflict, and discussing the wider implications for nuclear proliferation and regional stability. They also dissect Hungary's contentious election, highlighting Viktor Orbán's nationalist tactics and the rise of a new conservative network. Finally, the discussion touches on the UK's Gorton and Denton by-election, examining Labour's vulnerabilities and the broader political landscape.
This episode delves into the extensive Jeffrey Epstein files, focusing on Peter Mandelson's disturbing associations and broader implications for political corruption. It explores how wealthy elites exploit democratic systems through influence peddling, financial transactions, and blackmail, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The discussion highlights the pervasive nature of such relationships, the challenges of transparency, and proposes reforms to safeguard democracies from undue influence and corruption.
*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 Ene...
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/restisp...
Rory Stewart and Matt Clifford interview Arvind Narayanan, who critiques the current discourse on AI. Narayanan argues against using probabilities for existential risks due to lack of empirical basis and highlights that stopping advanced AI development is likely futile given its rapid diffusion and decreasing costs. The discussion also covers the slow pace of policy response to AI's real-world harms, the evolving perspectives on regulation (from security to online safety), and the problematic hostility of US tech companies towards European regulatory efforts.
Alastair Campbell and Anthony Scaramucci intensely discuss Donald Trump's recent denigration of NATO troops, with Scaramucci offering an apology on behalf of many Americans and characterizing Trump's actions as stemming from deep insecurity and a need to humiliate. They delve into Trump's perceived mental decline and the challenge for global leaders to balance political pragmatism with the moral imperative to condemn his divisive rhetoric. The discussion explores the long-term implications for the Western alliance and a firm commitment to resist the normalization of such behavior.
This episode delves into pressing global and domestic issues, including the ethical debate around boycotting the World Cup in the US due to Trump's actions in Greenland, and the political implications of Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK. The hosts also share shocking revelations from Davos about the scale of online child sex abuse and the challenges of reconstruction in war-torn Syria. They conclude by discussing the decline of political oratory and shifting geopolitical alliances in the Middle East and Central Asia.
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...
