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

320. Labour’s struggle to define itself, Hezbollah vs. Israel, and understanding Long Covid

Does Starmer’s government lack a strategic vision? Are we on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East? Why has society turned a blind eye to those living with Long Covid? Join Rory and A... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

99. Team of Rivals: Blair, Brown and the secrets of New Labour (Douglas Alexander)

What was the rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown really about? How easy is it to find work as an ex-politician? What can the Labour Party do going forward to strengthen the UK's relat... Continue
Leading

319. TRIP US: The Only State Trump Needs to Win

*To hear the full episode, search The Rest is Politics US wherever you get your podcasts.*How far do voters trust Donald Trump? Should the US have mass deportations? Are Republicans really be... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

318. Question Time: Does America really care about the ‘special relationship’?

Why has Turkey decided to join BRICS? Is New York Mayor, Eric Adams, in trouble? And what happens when the mics are turned off?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions and mo... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s diary: The Tories broke Britain

It is part of Labour's challenge to make sure the public never forget this reality... Continue
The New European

317. How to save the NHS

How are Labour planning to reform the NHS? Are the West being too slow to help Ukraine? Should social media be banned for children? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questions a... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

98. Nate Silver: Can we predict who will win the 2024 US election?

Who is going to win the 2024 election? What is the relationship between playing professional poker and betting on politics? Why has Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump? Alastair and Rory are joi... Continue
Leading

316. Why Kamala Harris Still Has a Problem

What does Kamala Harris need to do next? How would Republicans react to a Trump loss? Would Harris ever debate Trump on Fox News?Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these... Continue
The Rest Is Politics