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

455. Question Time: Is Europe Already At War With Russia?

Is Europe already at war with Russia — without admitting it? Are the Netherlands still a serious player in Europe? And, should national parks be reshaped for the modern age? Join Rory and ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Don’t take Curtis Yarvin seriously

Yarvin believes liberal democracy has failed and that monarchy should replace it. He just has absolutely no idea how to achieve this... Continue
The New European

454. Starmer’s Farage Fightback and Trump’s Unworkable Gaza Plan

Is it too late for Starmer to turn things around? Is Labour talking too much about immigration, and not enough about the cost of living? How can Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza lead to a Pales... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

155. Mike Pompeo On Russia, Trump, and China

Why does the former Secretary of State think the US is going too soft on Russia and China? What was it like working closely with President Trump? Why did Putin invade Europe under Obama and B... Continue
Leading

453. Trump’s Far Right Allies in Germany: Is History Repeating Itself?

Just how close is the far right to taking power in Europe and the UK? Why is Germany the perfect starting point for far-right agitators? Is Europe’s lacklustre response to an unfolding geno... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

452. Question Time: America’s New Martyr and Westminster’s Hidden Spies

Is Charlie Kirk becoming America’s new martyr for the far right? How deep does Chinese spying go in Western politics? And,  is Moldova the next target for Russian meddling? The Rest Is Po... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

451. Is Trump Destroying the UN?

Is it time to move the United Nations headquarters out of New York? Will recognising Palestine as a state make any difference to the plight of Gaza? Why does Reform UK get so much more covera... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Smash the populists, Keir

The prime minister needs to set out the path to a much better Britain than the one we have, before Nigel Farage does it for him... Continue
The New European