The Rest Is Politics

25 Mar 2026

514. Who Is Profiting from Trump’s Iran Catastrophe?

Are Russia, Israel, and Iran itself the real winners from Trump and Netanyahu’s war? Is Starmer right to resist more British involvement in the war? Will the Gulf states realign with Europe and ‘middle powers’ as a result of America’s latest exploits in the Middle East?

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 from across the political divide.

Leading

23 Mar 2026

181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art

Why was Ai Weiwei kidnapped and held prisoner by the Chinese government? How did the 2008 Sichuan earthquake radicalise him into taking aim at the authorities through art? What’s behind Ai Weiwei’s belief that there is a serious censorship issue in the West? 

Every Monday, Rory and Alastair interrogate, converse with, and interview some of the world’s biggest names – from both inside and outside of politics – about life, leadership, or leading the way in their chosen field.

Latest

514. Who Is Profiting from Trump’s Iran Catastrophe?

Are Russia, Israel, and Iran itself the real winners from Trump and Netanyahu’s war? Is Starmer right to resist more British involvement in the war? Will the Gulf states realign with Europe and ‘m... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: My late friend’s final message: Never work for the Daily Mail

After saying goodbye to old mates, I’ve got a new philosophy: Stay young, no matter how old you are... Continue

181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art

Why was Ai Weiwei kidnapped and held prisoner by the Chinese government? How did the 2008 Sichuan earthquake radicalise him into taking aim at the authorities through art? What’s behind Ai Weiwei’... Continue

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

Why are the US and the West as a whole so bad at understanding the cultures of other countries, including Iran, and what do they miss as a result? How will the Iran war unfold over the next six months... Continue

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

Is Russia the biggest winner from Trump’s war with Iran? Is GB News little more than a propaganda machine for Reform UK? How toxic is England's water and why does it have the only fully privatised w... Continue

180. The Only European Leader Defying Trump? (Pedro Sánchez)

Why is Prime Minister Sánchez such an outlier in challenging Trump on everything from military spending to Gaza? What’s behind Spain’s recent economic success? How is Spain tackling the rising fa... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Pedro Sánchez is outclassing Trump with the president’s own tactics

The Spanish prime minister succeeds because he thinks, speaks and acts in bold, primary colours... Continue

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

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 ... Continue