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

94. DNC Special – The Young Buck (Josh Elliot)

What does a State Senator do? What is the difference in the energy at the DNC now the nominee is Kamala Harris, not Joe Biden? How do politicians become delegates?Rory and Alastair are joined... Continue
Leading

93. DNC Special: The Veteran Congresswoman (Rosa DeLauro)

What is the role of a member of Congress? How much do campaigns in the United States really cost? Is campaigning as a member of Congress wildly different to campaigning as an MP?Rory and Alas... Continue
Leading

92. DNC Special: The Attack Dog (Bob Mulholland)

What is the role of a delegate at a convention? Why is focusing on the negative the best way to campaign? Is Tim Walz the right choice to help Kamala Harris win?Rory and Alastair are joined b... Continue
Leading

306. Did Kamala Harris’ speech scare Trump?

Was Kamala Harris' closing speech at the Democratic National Convention powerful enough to shake the Republicans? Who were the most successful speakers at the DNC? What are some key differenc... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

91. DNC Special: The Pollster (John Anzalone)

What goes on behind the scenes of campaign polling? When did American campaigns stop focusing on policy and become all about themes? How do parties use polls to change their tactics?Rory and ... Continue
Leading

305. The Obamas takedown Donald Trump

Has Michelle Obama given up on her own plea that "when they go low we go high"? How will male voters respond to the idea of the first US First Gentleman? Will RFK Jr drop out of the race to e... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

304. Question Time: Could Trump try and subvert the US election results?

Why is there civil unrest in Slovakia and Bulgaria? Are they legitimate tools at Trump’s disposal to subvert an election result? Do we have the technology to fact check debates in real time... Continue
The Rest Is Politics

303. The speech Joe Biden never wanted to give (Live from the Democratic National Convention)

How have the Democratic Party united behind Kamala Harris so quickly? What are some of the core principles of Project 2025? Was Joe Biden's farewell speech as success?Join Rory and Alastair l... Continue
The Rest Is Politics