The Rest Is Politics
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart break down current affairs in the UK and abroad. The Rest Is Politics analyses the latest international news, provides debate on global issues, and reveals secrets from Westminster, whilst bringing back the lost art of disagreeing agreeably. With insider perspectives and expert analysis, The Rest Is Politics is the go-to podcast for anyone seeking intelligent, engaging discussions on British and global politics. The Rest Is Politics Plus: Join with a FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com for exclusive bonus content including Rory and Alastair’s first ever miniseries, early access to episodes and live show tickets, ad free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members chatroom. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Social Producer: Celine Charles Lead Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Producer: Evan Green Exec Producer: Bella Soames
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Recent Episodes
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Rory Stewart hosts a special series on existential risks with historian Yuval Noah Harari, examining threats that could fundamentally transform or destroy human civilization. They explore AI as an alien intelligence, comparing its arrival to the Spanish conquistadors' devastating impact on the Aztec Empire. The conversation delves into why political systems struggle to comprehend and respond to unprecedented challenges, from pandemics to AI imperialism, and examines Britain's stark choices: become American vassals, invest £500 billion in independent AI, or rejoin Europe for collective development.
- Introduction: The Unthinkable in Politics
- The Aztec Empire Analogy: Confronting the Alien
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This episode examines several critical geopolitical and domestic developments: the Houthi seizure of key Red Sea shipping routes creating unprecedented leverage over global oil trade, the rapid advancement and dangers of AI technology with industry leaders now calling for regulation, and Reform UK's controversial receipt of £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires, raising fundamental questions about money in politics. The hosts argue these separate stories represent a broader pattern of collapsing international order and failing political systems.
- Houthi Control of Red Sea: A Strategic Earthquake
- The Houthis: From Mountain Cult to Regional Power
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Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband joins the podcast for an in-depth discussion about Britain's recent sanctions against Israeli settlers and the illegality of the occupation, marking one of the boldest statements on Israel-Palestine by a UK government in recent years. The conversation explores whether Britain can still make a meaningful difference on the world stage, the challenges of navigating the Middle East crisis including Gaza and Iran, and the broader question of how middle powers like the UK should respond to a changing global order where US hegemony is declining and new alliances are needed.
- Historic Sanctions Against Israeli Settlers and Occupation
- The Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
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Two Gen Z Labour MPs, Rosie Wrighting (MP for Kettering, PPS at the Ministry of Defence) and Keir Mather (MP for Selby, junior minister at the Department of Transport), discuss the unprecedented challenges facing their generation including housing costs, student debt, mental health struggles, and the broken social contract. They argue that Gen Z shows remarkable resilience despite facing systemic policy failures and offer insights on how the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham might address these issues while building intergenerational solidarity.
- The Broken Link Between Work and Reward
- Why Young People Aren't Angrier
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Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze the latest developments in Ukraine following Trump envoy visits, discuss Mark Carney's concept of middle power alliances, examine Ed Miliband's sanctions on Israeli settlements, and address the controversial funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Serbia. The episode reveals deepening concerns about Trump's relationship with Russia, Europe's struggle to defend Ukraine independently, and rising nationalism in the Balkans.
- Trump's Betrayal of Ukraine and the Patriot Missile Crisis
- The Kushner-Witkoff Visit: Working to Satisfy Putin's Aspirations
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This episode examines the rise of far-right extremism in Europe, focusing on Germany's AfD party winning 43% in Saxony-Anhalt elections and Reform UK's alleged illegal fundraising scandal. The hosts discuss how right-wing nationalist movements are eroding democratic norms, exploiting anti-immigration sentiment and pro-Russian positions, while mainstream politicians struggle to respond effectively.
- Germany's Far-Right Surge: AfD's Historic Victory
- The AfD's Pro-Russian Stance and Anti-EU Platform
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This episode examines Andy Burnham's journey from Manchester Mayor to Prime Minister, focusing on his handling of COVID-19, his deteriorating relationship with Keir Starmer's government, and his eventual return to Westminster. The discussion reveals how Burnham's confrontations with Boris Johnson during the pandemic elevated his national profile, while his frustrations with Starmer's leadership style and governance approach ultimately led to his challenge for the Labour leadership. Steve Rotherham provides insider perspectives on the political maneuvering, including the controversial blocking of Burnham's initial by-election bid and the strategic decisions that shaped his path to Number 10.
- The COVID Confrontation and Rise of the King of the North
- The Deteriorating Relationship with Keir Starmer's Government
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This episode analyzes Iceland's referendum rejecting EU membership talks, exploring parallels with Brexit and implications for European unity. The discussion extends to UK-Russia tensions following British support for Ukraine, American perceptions of Britain shaped by MAGA narratives, and the upcoming party conference season. The hosts examine geopolitical fragility, the rise of far-right movements in Europe, and challenges facing middle-power coalitions.
- Iceland's EU Referendum Defeat and Brexit Parallels
- UK-Russia Tensions and Strategic Implications
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This episode explores artificial intelligence as one of the most complex political challenges of our time, examining the concentration of power in AI companies, emerging autonomous behaviors in AI systems, and growing community resistance to data centers. The hosts debate whether AI represents unprecedented economic opportunity or a dangerous bubble, while drawing parallels to climate change failures through the catastrophic flooding in Nepal.
- The Strange New World of AI Power
- The Communication Problem and Who Benefits
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In this episode of The Restless Politics series, Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor of Liverpool, discusses Andy Burnham's political career journey from his early days after Cambridge through his leadership defeats and eventual decision to leave Westminster for the north. The conversation covers Burnham's two Labour leadership campaigns, the unexpected rise of Jeremy Corbyn, the impact of Brexit, and the soul-searching that led to major career decisions during a period of repeated defeats.
- The 2010 and 2015 Leadership Campaigns
- The Whiteboard Campaign and Corbyn's Unexpected Rise
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Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze Trump's aggressive stance toward Canada, examining how his demands go beyond trade to challenge Canadian sovereignty itself. They discuss upcoming Palestinian elections, Andy Burnham's preparation for his first PMQs, and reflect on the broader theme of international impunity threatening the rules-based order. The episode connects these seemingly disparate topics through the lens of power, subjugation, and the erosion of democratic norms.
- Trump's Subjugation of Canada
- The Opportunity for European-Canadian Alliance
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In this episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell analyze Andy Burnham's significant first foreign trip as Prime Minister to Kiev, alongside growing challenges to President Zelensky's leadership including corruption allegations and political opposition. The discussion shifts to Germany, where Stewart reports from the ground on the alarming rise of the far-right AfD party, which is poised to win elections in Saxony-Anhalt. The hosts explore the dangerous convergence of far-right and far-left parties on pro-Russia positions, the normalization of extremism in media and politics, and the existential threats facing European unity and support for Ukraine.
- Burnham's Strategic First Visit to Kiev and Military Support
- Zelensky Under Pressure: Corruption and the Election Question
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In this episode, Steve Rotherham, who has known Andy Burnham for decades, provides an intimate portrait of Britain's newest Prime Minister. The conversation explores Burnham's working-class roots, his Catholic values, his transformation from parliamentary assistant to Prime Minister, and the formative experiences that shaped his political mission—from Thatcher's devastation of northern England to the Hillsborough tragedy. Rotherham reveals the personal side of Burnham: his family bonds, his imposter syndrome, his terrible dancing, and the moment when a crowd of 37,000 people booed him at Anfield, an experience that would prove transformative in his political journey.
- Andy Burnham's Family Values and Catholic Foundation
- The Thatcher Effect: Radicalization Through Devastation
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Andy Burnham's communications strategy represents a significant shift in how British prime ministers engage with the public, leveraging social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook while maintaining traditional media appearances. The episode explores whether this approach will sustain through challenging times, and also examines the escalating settler violence in the West Bank and its implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.
- The Evolution of Political Communication: Burnham's Modern Strategy
- Comparing Communication Styles: Why Burnham Succeeds Where Others Struggled
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This episode covers Afghanistan five years after Western withdrawal, with special guest Shoshana Stewart discussing conditions on the ground, the Taliban's rule, and international responses. The discussion then shifts to Russian politics including a banned opposition party and escalating grain wars with Ukraine, before concluding with reflections on the tragic death of academic Jason Arday and the role of media in such cases.
- Five Years Since Afghanistan Withdrawal
- Life Under Taliban Rule - On the Ground Reality
Will Climate Action Go Backwards Under Burnham?
Aug 13, 2026Summary Preview
In this Rest is Politics Climate special, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart interview former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas about climate change as a national security issue. The discussion covers Lucas's recent podcast series on climate threats, data centers and water resources, national emergency briefings, international climate action, and how to rebuild political consensus on environmental issues. The conversation reveals significant areas of agreement on nature and local action, but notable tension over AI infrastructure priorities and Britain's role in global climate leadership.
- Caroline Lucas's Climate Series and Security Threats
- The Case for a National Emergency Briefing
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In this episode, Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell examine the existential crisis facing Britain's Conservative Party as it battles Reform UK and smaller right-wing factions for survival. They discuss the strategic choices facing party leader Kemi Badenoch, analyze Andy Burnham's first major challenge with prison capacity, explore Abdul El-Sayed's surprising Democratic primary victory in Michigan, and address the economic catastrophe unfolding on Germany's Rhine River due to climate change.
- The Conservative Party's Existential Crisis and the Battle on the Right
- The Toxic Nature of Right-Wing Politics and Leadership Choices
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This episode examines the dramatic shifts in global power dynamics, focusing on the formation of a new defense alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan dubbed an 'Islamic NATO,' and the implications of America's wavering global leadership. The hosts explore how this alliance reflects declining U.S. deterrence, particularly after the Iran war, and connect it to Russia's hybrid warfare campaign against Europe through drone attacks. The discussion reveals how modern warfare has fundamentally changed through drone technology, affecting everything from conventional battlefields to organized crime, while America's traditional alliance structures fracture and new regional power blocs emerge.
- The Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Alliance and America's Declining Deterrence
- The Strategic Costs of America's Isolationist Turn
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This episode examines the complex reality of climate-driven migration, challenging the myth of mass 'climate refugee' movements while exploring what happens when entire nations face extinction. Through interviews with migration expert Alex Randall and former Maldives Environment Minister Aminath Shauna, the episode reveals that climate migration is far more nuanced than headlines suggest, with most people moving internally rather than across continents, and affected communities rejecting the 'refugee' label in favor of dignity and sovereignty.
- Tuvalu's Digital Survival Strategy
- Debunking the Climate Refugee Myth
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This episode examines the complex political and military situation in the Middle East following Trump's announcement of a Hamas disarmament roadmap. Despite Israel's strong military position, fundamental political questions remain intractable. The hosts analyze whether military dominance can translate into political order, explore the dynamics of Israeli elections, examine the new Hamas leadership, and discuss escalating tensions in the West Bank. The episode also covers FIFA corruption scandals involving Gianni Infantino and reflects on the role of comedic candidates in politics.
- Israel's Military Success vs. Political Challenges
- The Disarmament Deal: Sequencing and Trust Problems