The Rest Is Politics

16 Apr 2026

Beating Populism: How To Fight Back

Are we living in a 1930s moment in history? How can leaders fight back against populism? And is Franklin D Roosevelt the answer?

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 Apr 2026

184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

At a time when the United States is threatening to withdraw from NATO, how can Europe maximise its power to deter Russia's threat? If Vladimir Putin were given the territory Donald Trump offered in his peace plan, what would his next move be? Why does the White House keep misunderstanding Putin’s real war aims?

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

491. Trump at Davos: Rory and Alastair React

What does Trump's rambling speech to world leaders at Davos mean for Greenland? Are Europe and the UK ready to act together against Trump's threats? And what lessons does Mark Carney's approach to Tru... Continue

490. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: What Next?

Is the US now an adversary for Europe? Has Europe's appeasement strategy failed? How should NATO respond if appeasement is no longer an option? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these questio... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: A lesson for Robert Jenrick: How to plot a proper defection

My secret plan once wrecked wrecked a Tory conference, but this turncoat has only wrecked himself... Continue

171. Neil Kinnock: A Labour Rebel’s Path To Power (Part 1)

Whilst an early career MP, why did Neil Kinnock rebel against the Labour Party so regularly? As Labour leader, how did Kinnock take on militant and the ‘ultra-left’ within the Labour Party? What r... Continue

Will AI End Humanity?

If there is even a 1% chance that AI could destroy us, should we keep building it? Are we creating machines that will one day outthink humanity? And is the race to dominate AI accelerating us toward a... Continue

489. Musk’s AI Deepfake Disgrace & JD Vance’s Minnesota Lies (Question Time)

Will the UK ban 'X' over explicit, nonconsensual deepfake images of women and children generated using its AI tool? What does JD Vance's outburst against the Minnesota ICE shooting victim tell us abou... Continue

Alastair Campbell’s diary: It’s time for a European army

Keir Starmer wants Britain to get closer to the EU. The war in Ukraine and Trump’s military posturing put European security at the heart of that realignment... Continue

488. Is Iran on the Edge of Revolution?

Could the Iran protests finally break the Supreme Leader’s brutal reign, or will the regime's deadly crackdown contain the unrest? If the US intervenes militarily, what would a Trump-style plan for ... Continue