The Rest Is Politics

10 Sep 2026

570. Why Trump Acts Like a Russian Asset and Miliband’s West Bank Sanctions

After Trump’s latest betrayal of Ukraine, why does he act like a Russian asset? Has John Healy already missed his moment to be a radical Chancellor, and does Ed Miliband’s move to impose economic sanctions on Israeli settlements prove he would have been the bolder choice? Is the President of Serbia a fascist?

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.

Leading

7 Sep 2026

205. Anthony Scaramucci: Why America Keeps Making the Same Mistakes

Why does Anthony Scaramucci think Osama bin Laden is “winning”, and what has the War on Terror really cost America? From letting China into the WTO to bailing out the banks in 2008, how did America's own leaders pave the way for Donald Trump's electoral victories? As Trump's second term reaches its halfway point, is America about to bankrupt itself?

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.

Latest

415. Iran, Israel, and Trump: War in the Middle East

Are we heading for all-out war between the US, Netanyahu and the Iranian regime? Is the West betraying international law in its support of Israel's pre-emptive strikes on Iran? Why did Starme... Continue

139. Speaker Kevin McCarthy: In Defence of Donald J. Trump

What is the logic behind Trump’s “chaotic” political strategy? Are Europe and America heading for a divorce? What did it feel like to get ousted as the Speaker of the House on a global... Continue

414. Israel vs. Iran: What Happens Next

Why has Benjamin Netanyahu's government launched an attack on the Iranian military? Is this the start of a new, larger war in the Middle East? What is Donald Trump's America's role in the con... Continue

413. Question Time: Reform, Russian Cyber Gangs, and Battling BBC Bias

Why does the BBC give Reform so much air time? Should there be a global refugee coalition? And, should we be surprised that AI might gaslight us? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all th... Continue

413. Question Time: How to solve Britain’s immigration question

Why does the BBC give Reform so much air time? Should there be a global refugee coalition? And, should we be surprised that AI might gaslight us? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all th... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Have the Channel Islands got it right?

After a few days in Guernsey, the Islands’ message was clear: ‘Our system works better than yours’... Continue

412. Is Trump Starting a Civil War? | LA Protests

Are the LA protests the perfect gift for Trump, and does pushing back just add fuel to his fire? What does Musk’s exit mean for the MAGA coalition? Why has Starmer u-turned on winter fuel p... Continue

138. The Anxious Generation: How Silicon Valley Has Rewired Our Brains (Jonathan Haidt)

What are the biggest lies we're being told about social media? How does unregulated social media help Trump and authoritarian regimes? How do you beat an addiction to your phone? Jonathan H... Continue