The Rest Is History: Young Putin, the KGB and the Soviet Union

In our most recent episode, Alastair mentioned our sister podcast, The Rest Is History, and its recent mini-series on the Soviet Union, its fall, Putin's early life and his subsequent rise to... Continue

14 March 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

2. Lying, vanity and friendship in politics

Welcome to the second episode of The Rest Is Politics with Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell!With Ukrainian refugees struggling to claim asylum in the UK, why aren't the British government's... Continue

9 March 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

What are Putin's influences?

On two thinkers long dead, but living on in Putin’s worldview and actions

I am indebted to my friend Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, for alerting me to the possible influence of a man named Lev Gumilev in shaping the thinking and actions of Vladimir Putin. Gumilev ... Continue

6 March 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

1. Putin in person, Russian money in British politics, and Bono vs Blair

What's Vladimir Putin like to deal with in person? On the first episode of "The Rest Is Politics", Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart tackle the latest developments in Ukraine, give their ins... Continue

2 March 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Vladimir Putin

For all the strong words today, Putin has exploited the West’s weakness, and the West has helped him to do so

Depending on how current events play out, this morning's Russian invasion of Ukraine could become one of those 'where were you when?' moments, like the Moon landing, Kennedy's assassination, Mandela'... Continue

24 February 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Trailer

Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world - former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart - join forces fro... Continue

23 February 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart

A new podcast is born … Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart on politics … by popular demand

Yesterday I did one of my Instagram lives, in which mainly I vent against the current regime of liars and charlatans. I do these, partly for therapy, partly to play a role in holding them to account,... Continue

19 February 2022

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Winter Walks

has nature ever been more important to mental well-being and happiness, and the future of the planet?

On Tuesday, I was on the daytime Channel 4 show, Steph's Packed lunch, and also on was a wonderful old woman called Barbara Weatherill. Ninety-six, lively smiling eyes, good mobility, a stack of mili... Continue

25 November 2021

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Thanks paul dacre for inspiring me to rule out replacing marr, becoming pope, managing burnley or replacing the queen

I am hugely indebted to Paul Dacre, whose letter in the Times today has inspired me to pen some letters of my own. At the bottom you will find the full whingeing, whining, self-pitying, un-self-aw... Continue

20 November 2021

Posted by Alastair Campbell

Alastair Campbell is a writer, communicator and strategist best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy. Still active in politics and campaigns in Britain and overseas, he now splits his time between writing, speaking, broadcasting, charities and consultancy.

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