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
586. Trump’s Midterms Disaster: What Happens Next?
Nov 04, 2026Summary Preview
In this special midterms episode, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart analyze the Democratic Party's stunning victory in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. The Democrats won control of both houses of Congress in what amounts to a massive repudiation of Donald Trump's Republican Party. The hosts discuss the implications for Trump's remaining two years as a lame duck president, the rise of new Democratic stars like Abdul Al-Sayed and James Talarico, and what this means for both parties' future strategies heading into the 2028 presidential election.
- The Blue Wave: Democrats' Overwhelming Victory
- Money in Politics: The $12 Billion Election
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A comprehensive analysis of the US midterm elections featuring on-the-ground reporting from Appalachia, discussions of Democratic Senate candidates, and parallels drawn to youth protests across Europe. The episode explores Trump's enduring appeal in rural America, the Democrats' unexpected polling strength, and the economic anxieties driving both American voters and European youth movements.
- Appalachia's Reality: Beyond the Hillbilly Elegy Narrative
- The Religious Right and Trump's Moral Contradictions
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David Blunkett, who was born blind and became one of Labour's most influential ministers, discusses his journey through politics and life with Alistair Campbell. Blunkett shares his experiences of overcoming profound challenges, from his father's workplace death when he was 12 to navigating Westminster without sight. The conversation explores themes of resilience, the changing nature of modern politics, the crucial role of his guide dogs, and how small acts of humanity helped him through his darkest moments, including his resignation as Home Secretary.
- Born Blind: A Different Perspective on Life's Challenges
- Tragic Loss: A Father's Death and Its Lasting Impact
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Rory Stewart reports from the heart of Trump country in Ohio, just 20 miles from J.D. Vance's hometown of Middletown, exploring the complexities of American voters ahead of the midterms. He's joined by Alistair Campbell in London and correspondent Izzy in Texas, as they analyze why these midterms matter for democracy, what's driving Latino voters, and the bewildering reality of normal, decent Americans who continue to support Trump despite his corruption and chaos. The conversation reveals deep paradoxes in American politics - prosperous-looking communities voting Republican despite economic pain, and a growing backlash against Trump's immigration enforcement that's reaching even his former supporters.
- Why These Midterms Matter for American Democracy
- The Paradox of Prosperity in Trump Country
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This deeply moving episode brings together two extraordinary women who exemplify perseverance through unimaginable loss. Lindsay Nicholson lost her husband John to a rare blood cancer while pregnant, then lost their 9-year-old daughter Ellie to the same disease, survived breast cancer herself, and endured a traumatic second marriage. Kim Leadbeater became an MP after her sister Jo Cox was murdered during the Brexit referendum, and recently faced the defeat of her assisted dying bill in Parliament. Despite their vastly different experiences with grief and trauma, both demonstrate remarkable resilience and the ability to channel devastating loss into positive action.
- Lindsay's Journey Through Multiple Tragedies
- Lindsay's Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Assumption of Death
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This episode examines the Israeli parliamentary elections against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict, analyzing both the domestic political stakes for Israelis and the devastating humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. The hosts discuss the tight race between Netanyahu and opposition forces, review a disturbing documentary about Israeli military operations in Gaza, and explore how the election offers little hope for Palestinians despite being framed as pivotal for Israel's future direction.
- Stakes and Structure of Israel's Election
- Coalition Math and Arab Party Dynamics
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This episode focuses on the dire situation facing Ukraine as Donald Trump appears to align increasingly with Russia, examining European leaders' responses to this shift and discussing violent civil unrest in France. The hosts, broadcasting from Oslo after meeting with Norway's Prime Minister, explore the challenges facing European democracies as they confront an aggressive Russia with an unreliable United States, while also addressing attacks on democratic politicians in Australia.
- Ukraine's Existential Crisis: Trump's Alignment with Russia
- Europe's Dependency Dilemma and the Middle Powers Vision
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In this special episode of The Rest is Politics, Rory Stewart interviews Alastair Campbell about his new book on 'perseverance' - a word he invented to describe the ability to turn any setback into a positive opportunity for growth. The conversation explores Campbell's mental health breakdown at age 29, his experiences in Downing Street, his relationship with Fiona, and how he's learned to be more reflective and positive over time. They discuss the nature of achievement, relevance, parenting challenges including his son Callum's battle with alcoholism, and what it means to persevere through life's difficulties.
- Introducing Perseverance: A New Word for Difficult Times
- The 1986 Breakdown: Psychotic Episode at Age 29
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Alan Milburn, former New Labour cabinet minister, discusses his comprehensive review of Britain's NEET crisis - over 1 million young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment or training. He argues this represents a systemic failure requiring fundamental reform across welfare, education, health and labour market policy. The conversation explores why Britain has the second-worst NEET rate in Europe, the role of mental health diagnoses, AI's impact on youth employment, and the difficult policy choices ahead including welfare reform that will face political resistance.
- The Scale and Nature of Britain's NEET Crisis
- Why Young People Aren't to Blame - The Snowflake Myth
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This episode covers Donald Trump's tumultuous week, including his Nobel Peace Prize disappointment, controversial policies, and threats to international institutions. The hosts also discuss Andy Burnham's viral interview about Russian interference in Brexit, escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, massive protests in India over voter roll changes, and Michael Gove's controversial appearance as Rory's substitute host.
- Trump's Chaotic Week and Erosion of Democratic Norms
- America Weaponizing Technology Against Allies
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Michael Gove stands in for Rory Stewart in this wide-ranging Q&A episode covering Brexit's impact, the Israel-Gaza conflict, Manchester City's financial scandal, and media responsibility. The discussion reveals areas of both agreement and fundamental disagreement between Gove and Campbell, particularly on Brexit outcomes and Israel policy, while maintaining a notably civil tone throughout.
- Brexit's Legacy and Future EU Relations
- Israel-Gaza Conflict and Netanyahu's Government
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This episode features Michael Gove standing in for Rory Stewart to discuss the recent Labour and Conservative party conferences. The conversation covers Labour's renewed confidence under Andy Burnham's leadership, Kemi Badenoch's intellectual approach to Conservative politics through her essay 'The Right Way,' and various international developments including violent student protests in France, Spain's snap election, Brazil's political landscape, and Bosnia's complex electoral outcome.
- Labour's Transformation Under Andy Burnham
- Kemi Badenoch's Intellectual Leadership and Conservative Identity
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This episode examines the dramatic shift in U.S.-China relations, as Trump's second administration appears to pivot back toward engagement after years of bipartisan consensus on confrontation. The hosts analyze Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, exploring what it reveals about America's waning commitment to global order, and discuss conflicts in Ethiopia, Northern Ireland's fragile peace, Brazil's elections, and Jürgen Klopp's vision for positive patriotism in Germany.
- Trump's Dramatic China Pivot and the Collapse of Washington Consensus
- The Taiwan Question and America's Weakening Position
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In this episode from the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Alistair Campbell provides an eyewitness account of Andy Burnham's landmark leadership speech, which garnered 11 standing ovations and outlined a bold policy agenda. Burnham announced major reforms including ending the pensions triple lock, creating a national care service, electoral reform, housing initiatives, and a new relationship with Europe - while declaring that Brexit did more harm than good. The speech showcased Burnham's confidence, emotional authenticity, and political courage, positioning him as a transformative leader willing to launch big debates on major issues at a time of significant national challenges.
- The Burnham Speech: Style, Delivery, and Emotional Power
- The Policy Bombshells: Triple Lock, Brexit, and Electoral Reform
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Carlo Rovelli, renowned theoretical physicist and author, joins Rory Stewart to discuss the often-overlooked existential threat of nuclear war. Despite seeming unfashionable compared to Cold War-era concerns, Rovelli argues the risk is now higher than ever due to multipolar nuclear powers, AI integration in weapons systems, and declining public awareness. The conversation explores how geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia, China, and smaller nuclear states, combined with Europe's rearmament and technological developments, could lead to catastrophic outcomes that policymakers are dangerously ignoring.
- The Forgotten Nuclear Threat
- Four Factors Increasing Nuclear Risk
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This episode of The Restless Politics covers the seismic political earthquakes in Germany where the far-right AfD won in Angela Merkel's former constituency while far-left Die Linke topped polls in Berlin, threatening Germany's EU and NATO membership. The hosts also discuss rural Britain's challenges, the Liberal Democrats' struggle for relevance despite holding 70 seats, and broader questions about hope, language learning, and the vilification of the RNLI for rescuing migrants.
- Germany's Political Earthquake: AfD Triumphs in Merkel's Heartland
- Die Linke's Anti-Semitism Problem and Media Normalization of AfD
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This episode examines the United Nations at a critical juncture as world leaders gather in New York, with focus on Andy Burnham's first meeting with Trump, the institution's effectiveness in an era of declining American commitment and rising global tensions, and the urgent need for reform. The hosts also discuss the King's AI summit at Dumfries House and controversial allegations from Charles Spencer's new book about Princess Diana.
- The UN's Evolution and Current Crisis
- Burnham's Critical Trump Meeting and Europe's Response
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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