The Rest Is Politics

13 Feb 2026

The Battle for the Arctic

One of the most important political issues of our time - the battle for the Arctic. Why is Russia so dominant there? Why does Trump really want Greenland? And why is Climate Change right at the heart of this?Join Alastair and author Kenneth R. Rosen in the first episode of our new members-only miniseries on the battle for geopolitical control of the icy north, the polar war.

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

9 Feb 2026

175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)

Do Russia or China represent a bigger risk to UK national security? Why are we underestimating the threat posed by cybercriminals? Who holds the real power - ministers or spies?

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

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: In defence of David Cameron

Boris Johnson undid many of the former PM's well-intentioned moves... Continue

54. Guy Verhofstadt: Is there a case for a European army?

What's it like to run Belgium for a decade? How many people in the EU actually believe in 'ever-closer union'? What are the pros and cons of being a career politician?On today's episode of Le... Continue

207. Question Time: Fighting British corruption, Japan’s economic conundrum, and a Premier League team in Belfast

Should Labour create an anti-corruption department if it wins the next election? How great a threat does AI pose to elections in 2024? Is soft power as important as Britain thinks it is?Liste... Continue

206. How to fix the honours system, chaos in the Red Sea, and Taiwan at a crossroads

What should we make of Liz Truss's resignation honours? How does Iran use proxies to attack the US and Israel? Why was the election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo so expensive?Join R... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s Diary: Farewell Jacques Delors

Delors’ political vision was spot on for the time, just as it is now... Continue

53. Seb Coe: Corruption, gender, and the geopolitics of sport

Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain?In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Ala... Continue

205. How to combat populism, debating Bill Gates, and David Cameron on the world stage (Part 2)

What stopped the Middle East from descending into regional conflict following the events of October 7th? Why did 2023 see so many coups across the Sahel? Is David Cameron now Rishi Sunak's bi... Continue