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.

View all episodes

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.

View all episodes

Latest

179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend

How did President Stubb’s golfing talent lead him to fostering a close relationship with President Trump? Why was ‘Prime Minister’ the worst job ever? Why will the Global South define the new wo... Continue
Leading

The Future of Warfare: Anthropic vs Open AI

Is Europe sleepwalking into American AI dependency? Are we building toward a world where AI genuinely thinks for itself? And as AI becomes the backbone of modern warfare, who's really in control? Joi... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

509. Labour’s Polanski Problem and the Student Loans Scandal (Question Time)

Does the Gorton and Denton by-election result suggest Labour has been underestimating the threat of the Green Party? Is the UK's tuition fee system less like a loan and more like a punishing graduate ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

508. Is Starmer Sleepwalking into War with Iran?

Is Keir Starmer sleepwalking into a war Britain never agreed to fight? What are Trump's real objectives in attacking Iran? How far will Iran's retaliation go? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer al... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

178. Gavin Newsom: The Next President Of The United States?

What happened on a ridiculous midnight phone call between Donald Trump and the Governor of California? Why does Gavin Newsom believe the President will be crushed in the mid-terms? What is Newsom’s ... Continue
Leading

507. The Ayatollah Is Killed – REACTION

With the confirmation of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader confirmed, where does this leave the regime? Who is being targeted in Iran's retaliation attacks and how have Iranians reacted? Is Trump's b... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?

As Tehran launches retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases, how dangerous is this moment for the Middle East and the wider world? Are the attacks an attempt by Trump to shift attentio... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

505. Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine?

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, what's the reality on the ground? Why is Trump still calling the shots on negotiations with Russia, given the huge withdrawal of U... Continue
The Rest Is Politics