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

Alastair Campbell’s diary: Scottish independence has lost its salience

The issue was conspicuously absent from speeches at the SNP conference... Continue
The New European

310. The rise of Germany’s far-right

Who will be the next French Prime Minister? How serious is the threat of Germany’s far right? Should school inspections scrap single-word reviews? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

96. Frank Luntz: The World’s Most Prolific Pollster

Can a pollster be apolitical? What issues are the American people most interested in Kamala Harris and Donald Trump tackling? How can politicians communicate their message most effectively? R... Continue
Leading

309. Trump’s Secret Weapon

Who has returned as Donald Trump's secret weapon? What's happening in Georgia? Is Kamala Harris making a mistake over the upcoming presidential debate?Join Anthony & Katty as they answer ... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

308. Question Time: Can you be friends with someone you totally disagree with politically?

Why have so many kids been excluded from school since the pandemic? How should the world respond to the ‘gender apartheid’ in Afghanistan? And how can we stay friends with political enemi... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

307. Starmer put to the test, Modi’s visit to Ukraine, and tragedy unfolds in Sudan

Does Starmer have a plan to fix the UK? Why did Modi visit Ukraine? What is really happening in Sudan and when will it receive more coverage in the international media?Rory and Alastair answe... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: We can’t be blinded by Trump Derangement Syndrome

If you fail to see beyond the Trump lies, the chaos and narcissism, you fail to understand why people might vote for him in the first place... Continue
The New European

95. DNC Special: An alternative view from a Trump supporter (David Urban)

What did a Trump supporter make of the Democratic National Convention? Does Donald Trump have any friends? What message did the DNC send to those who don't support Kamala Harris?Alastair is j... Continue
Leading