The Rest Is Politics

1 Oct 2026

576. How Xi is Outplaying Trump and Tensions in Northern Ireland

As Trump becomes the first American president to personally welcome a visiting head of state off a plane since JFK greeted Harold Macmillan in 1962, did his summit with President Xi signal improving US-China relations, or does Xi have his counterpart in an economic chokehold? With the standoff between protesters and members of the pro-British Protestant Orange Order in Northern Ireland showing no sign of resolution, is the region's fragile peace in danger of unravelling? And as violence erupts in Ethiopia, is Africa's second most populous country on the brink of civil war – and does it risk dragging other regional actors into a wider conflict spanning the Horn of Africa and the Gulf?

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.

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Leading

28 Sep 2026

208. Mustafa Suleyman: Is AI Actually Conscious?

Can Artificial Intelligence stay subordinate? Is Anthropic’s 100-Page constitution creating dangerous AI autonomy? Should AI models be granted legal personhood, rights, or financial compensation?

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.

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Latest

520. Orbán Ousted: Is The Tide Turning Against Far-Right Populism?

Does Hungary ousting its far-right prime minister prove rightwing populists and autocrats can be beaten around the world, from Trump and Farage to Netanyahu and Milei? Does JD Vance have the midas tou... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Orbán is out – and now the world knows another way is possible

The autocrat’s defeat is a blow to Trump, Putin - and populists like Nigel Farage... Continue
The New European

184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

At a time when the United States is threatening to withdraw from NATO, how can Europe maximise its power to deter Russia's threat? If Vladimir Putin were given the territory Donald Trump offered in hi... Continue
Leading

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Here’s what Zelensky really thinks of JD Vance

After the madness of MAGA in Iran, meeting Ukraine’s president is a lesson in empathy and emotion... Continue
The New European

519. Trump’s NATO Threat & a Critical Election in Hungary (Question Time)

Following Trump's threats to remove the US from NATO, is the alliance effectively finished? After nearly two decades in power, could Viktor Orbán finally be unseated in Hungary's upcoming election? H... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

518. Is Trump a Fascist and is His War on Iran Unwinnable?

Has Trump crossed the line from right-wing populist to fascist? Is he fighting a war with Iran he cannot win? Is Iraq being dragged in against its will? Join Dominic Sandbrook and Alastair Campbell a... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)

How did Naz Shah’s experience growing up in Bradford and her experience with her family in the legal system influence her to go into politics? What does it mean for a political party to truly “sta... Continue
Leading

The Real Reasons Populism Is Taking Over

What is populism, and why is it so attractive to voters? Which human instincts do populists tap into to get votes? And what does a populist-led country look like? Alastair is joined by Liam Byrne, MP... Continue
The Rest Is Politics