Leading

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.

127. Donald Trump vs American Freedom: Who Wins? (Moises Naim)

Is this the end of democracy in the USA? Following the election of Trump, could democracy in America die? How did Moises Naim come up with his three p’s; Populism, Polarisation, and Post-t... Continue

31 March 2025

126. Israel, Gaza, and the United Nations (Francesca Albanese)

What role does the UN play in the Occupied Palestinian territories? What is the responsibility of Western media when it comes to covering issues surrounding Israel and Palestine? How did Fran... Continue

24 March 2025

125. Peter Kyle: AI, grief, and the power of Elon Musk

5 consecutive UK Prime Ministers have declared that the UK will become an AI Superpower, why is Keir Starmer any different? Why does no one have ‘big ideas’ anymore? And, how did Peter Ky... Continue

17 March 2025

124. The Man Who Got To Trump (Michael Wolff)

How did Michael Wolff manage to penetrate and expose Trump’s inner circle multiple times? Will the Murdoch empire survive the death of its Patriarch? Who’s really in charge in the White H... Continue

10 March 2025

123. Canada Decides: Who will be the next Prime Minister? (Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney)

Why do both former Bank of England governor, Mark Carney, and former Canadian deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, think they’re best placed to lead Canada? How will either take on Con... Continue

3 March 2025

122. How Europe can survive Trump (Frans Timmermans)

Are Trump and Putin carving up the world? How should the EU adapt to this new world? What imagination is needed on the political left? TRIP Plus:Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus ... Continue

24 February 2025

121. Yulia Navalnaya: The Woman Who Could Bring Down Putin

Why did Yulia’s husband, Alexei Navalny, return to Russia, knowing he’d be imprisoned? Is there any credible opposition to Putin left? What does the West get wrong about Putin’s Russia?... Continue

17 February 2025

120. The New President of Syria: Trump, Palestine, and having a $10 million bounty on your head (Ahmed al-Sharaa)

How did Ahmed al-Sharaa go from an imprisoned al-Qaeda fighter to the leader of Syria? What is the psychological impact of living a secret life for over twenty years? What is the future of Sy... Continue

10 February 2025

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.