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

393. Question Time: America’s last ally, Japan in crisis, and Netanyahu on the brink?

Why were two Labour MPs denied entry to Israel? What led to the impeachment of South Korea’s president? Is there a decline in blue-collar MPs?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all of th... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Vive la France, à bas JD Vance!

If Trump and his vice-president have a genius for anything, it’s global media dominance... Continue
The New European

392. Trump’s Rampage: The Fight Against Global Crisis

What’s really behind Trump’s tariff madness? Are we watching the US slide into authoritarianism in real time? How should Europe and the world fight back?Join Rory and Alastair as they ans... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

128. Whips, Chaos, and secrets from Westminster (Simon Hart)

Why do the wrong people become MPs? How can we transform Westminster into a modern day workplace? How did Simon Hart’s time at The Countryside Alliance inform his politics? Rory and Alasta... Continue
Leading

391. Trump vs. the World: Global Trade War

What happens next? Is this the start of a global recession? How should allies hit back?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and more.The Rest Is Politics Plus: Become a m... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

390. Question Time: India’s moment, Qatargate, and do young brits want a dictator?

How should Starmer respond to the 27% of young people who would prefer to live in a dictatorship? Could India become a third power, rivalling the US and China? And, why do politicians never e... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Dear Rachel, here’s a big idea for you

No matter how loudly we call for a return to the customs union and the single market, Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer are not going to listen... Continue
The New European

389. Trump, Vance, and How the US Invades Greenland

America vs. the Arctic - is this the end for NATO? Should Marine Le Pen still be allowed to run for president? Will Australia adopt Trump-style politics, or can Albanese buck the trend?Join R... Continue
The Rest Is Politics