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.

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

119. Tommy Vietor: How Democrats can fight Trump

How did Barack Obama become President? What was Hillary Clinton's huge mistake in 2016? How corrupt really is American politics today?Pod Save America host and former Barack Obama speechwrite... Continue

3 February 2025

118. Ex-Head of Mossad: Hamas, Ceasefire, and Netanyahu (Uzi Arad)

What’s the relationship between intelligence agencies and the politicians they serve? How does Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu react in a crisis? How confident should we be that t... Continue

27 January 2025

117. Is the UN fit for purpose? (Tom Fletcher)

As the US retreats from the international stage, who is going to fill the gap? What will the ‘peace processes of the future’ look like? Who has more power, the tech giants or political le... Continue

20 January 2025

116. Is AI the answer to human suffering? (James Manyika)

How can AI help solve global problems such as poverty, hunger, and disease? Is there a hidden dark side to this new technology? What is in store for the future of artificial intelligence?Rory... Continue

13 January 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.