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.
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Recent Episodes
508. Is Starmer Sleepwalking into War with Iran?
Mar 04, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart engage in a heated debate about the UK's response to the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran. They discuss the chaos unleashed by these attacks, examine different international leaders' reactions, analyze the legal and strategic implications, and explore potential consequences including refugee crises and regional destabilization. The conversation reveals deep disagreements about whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer handled the situation correctly, with broader discussions about international law, UK-US relations, and the unpredictability of Trump's foreign policy.
- The Iranian Crisis and International Response
- Pete Hegseth's Dismissal of International Law
507. The Ayatollah Is Killed - REACTION
Mar 01, 2026Summary Preview
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart conduct an emergency weekend podcast following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israeli strikes. They analyze the extraordinary intelligence operation, debate the legal and strategic implications of Trump's actions, discuss potential succession scenarios in Iran, and examine the broader consequences for international law and global security. While acknowledging the regime's brutality, they express serious concerns about Trump's reckless approach, lack of planning for aftermath, and the dangerous precedent being set for future conflicts.
- The Historic Strike and Intelligence Operation
- Trump's Motivations and Lack of Strategic Planning
506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?
Feb 28, 2026Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell convene an emergency podcast to discuss the escalating US-Israeli military operation against Iran, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury.' Recording live as strikes unfold, they analyze the geopolitical implications, potential outcomes ranging from democratic transformation to civil war, and the dangers of Trump's unpredictable approach. The hosts grapple with condemning Iran's authoritarian regime while questioning the legality and wisdom of military action without international consensus or clear planning for aftermath scenarios.
- Operation Epic Fury Begins
- Netanyahu's Intelligence and Iran's Weakness
505. Are Trump and Putin Underestimating Ukraine?
Feb 25, 2026Summary Preview
Alistair Campbell reports from Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, providing ground-level insights into Ukrainian resilience, corruption concerns, EU accession challenges, and the changing role of American leadership. He traveled with EU Commissioner Marta Kos, meeting with government officials, civil society leaders, and citizens, while observing President Zelensky's memorial ceremony at the Maidan. The discussion reveals Ukraine's determination to defeat Putin, frustration with being praised for resilience rather than receiving concrete support, and Europe's emerging leadership role as US influence wanes.
- Journey to Kyiv and First Impressions
- Zelensky's Security and Leadership Under Pressure
Summary Preview
This episode examines three major topics: the Supreme Court's striking down of Trump's tariff powers, the arrest and investigation of former Prince Andrew in connection with the Epstein scandal, and the UK government's new white paper on education reform including special educational needs. The hosts analyze Trump's furious reaction to losing his primary economic weapon, the potential constitutional crisis for the monarchy, and Labour's ambitious plans to transform British education.
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Tariff Powers
- The Arrest of Former Prince Andrew
Why Trump Wants Greenland
Feb 23, 2026Summary Preview
In this episode of The Rest Is Politics, hosts explore Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, examining the motivations behind his territorial ambitions and the geopolitical significance of the Arctic region. The discussion features insights into the influence of billionaire Ronald Lauder on Trump's thinking, the practical challenges of Arctic development, and the complex feelings of Greenlandic residents caught between independence and Danish support.
- Trump's Obsession with Greenland
- Trump's Strategy of Claiming Victories
503. Andrew’s Arrest: What Next?
Feb 19, 2026Summary Preview
This emergency episode of The Rest Is Politics addresses the unprecedented arrest of Prince Andrew (now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) on his 66th birthday at Sandringham estate. Host Alistair Campbell is joined by Lord Charlie Falconer, former Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, to analyze the legal implications of the misconduct in public office investigation related to Andrew's decade-long role as UK Trade Envoy. They discuss the significance of royal accountability, the speed of the investigation following recent Epstein file releases, King Charles's response, and the potential long-term damage to the monarchy.
- The Unprecedented Royal Arrest
- Why Arrest Rather Than Interview?
Summary Preview
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart dissect Nigel Farage's political career and Reform UK's rise, exposing a pattern of scandals, lies, and Russian connections that largely escape media scrutiny. They analyze recent developments from the Munich Security Conference, where US messaging on European security revealed troubling ambiguities. The hosts also examine elections in Thailand and Bangladesh, showing how democracy struggles in Southeast Asia, before concluding with reflections on Keir Starmer's quieter strengths as a leader.
- The Farage Problem: Lies, Russian Connections, and Media Complicity
- George Cottrell's Money Laundering Book Launch: The Audacity of Reform
Summary Preview
Recorded at the Munich Security Conference, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart analyze the evolving transatlantic relationship following major speeches by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They debate whether Europe is responding adequately to the fundamental shift in US foreign policy under Trump's second administration, with particular focus on defense sovereignty, European unity, and the need for bold leadership in confronting a new geopolitical reality.
- The Munich Security Conference Atmosphere and Context
- Behind-the-Scenes Diplomatic Developments
The Battle for the Arctic
Feb 13, 2026Summary Preview
Kenneth R. Rosen, an American author and Arctic expert, joins Alistair Campbell to discuss the escalating geopolitical battle for control of the Arctic region. As climate change rapidly transforms the Arctic—warming four to five times faster than the rest of the planet—previously inaccessible resources, shipping routes, and strategic military positions are opening up. The conversation explores why major powers like Russia, China, and the United States are vying for dominance in this region, Trump's controversial interest in Greenland, and America's concerning lack of Arctic infrastructure compared to its adversaries. Rosen shares insights from his extensive reporting across Arctic nations, revealing how the region has evolved from a forgotten frontier into what could become the trigger point for major international conflict.
- Defining the Arctic: Geography and Identity
- Climate Change: The Great Arctic Irony
Summary Preview
In this episode, Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart examine significant global political shifts while deliberately avoiding domestic UK Labour Party issues. They analyze Japan's dramatic election where Sanae Takaichi became the first female PM with a landslide victory, explore Portugal's presidential election as a test against far-right populism, discuss the cultural and political impact of Bad Bunny's Spanish-language Super Bowl performance, and reflect on finding happiness amid political turmoil. The conversation ranges from geopolitical tensions over Taiwan to the importance of nature conservation and ends with an uplifting message from a Gen Z listener.
- Japan's Historic Election and Takaichi's Supermajority
- Takaichi's Economic Policy and Demographic Challenges
499. Is It Game Over for Starmer?
Feb 09, 2026Summary Preview
Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart conduct an emergency analysis of the crisis engulfing Keir Starmer's government following the resignation of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and communications director Tim Allen. The discussion explores whether Starmer can survive, examining his leadership challenges and the broader implications of the Mandelson-Epstein scandal. They delve into how political networks, influence, and corruption operate at the highest levels, while reflecting on their own complicity in these systems.
- Crisis at Number 10: Can Starmer Survive?
- The Morgan McSweeney Problem: Strategy and Leadership
498. Alastair Reacts to Starmer-Mandelson Turmoil
Feb 08, 2026Summary Preview
In this solo emergency episode, Alistair Campbell delivers an emotional and deeply personal analysis of the Jeffrey Epstein files scandal and its impact on British politics, particularly regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as US Ambassador. Campbell expresses anger, anxiety, confusion, and depression about the situation, criticizing both the scandal itself and the government's handling of it while warning about the implications for Labour and the rise of Nigel Farage.
- Opening Context: Sleepless Nights and Multiple Emotions
- The Scandal's True Core: Abuse and Misogyny
Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell analyze the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, examining Trump's military buildup, the weakened Iranian regime facing massive domestic protests, and the complex regional implications of potential military action. They explore various scenarios from regime change to strategic negotiations, discussing nuclear proliferation concerns and the parallels with Venezuela's recent political transformation.
- Iran's Weakening Position and Domestic Uprising
- Trump's Military Armada and Strategic Ambiguity
Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell dissect the explosive Jeffrey Epstein files release, focusing on how the convicted sex trafficker leveraged his network of wealthy and powerful individuals to gain political influence and insider information. The discussion centers on Peter Mandelson's compromising relationship with Epstein, including leaked emails showing Mandelson sharing sensitive government information while serving as First Secretary of State. The hosts examine the broader implications for democratic corruption, exploring how wealthy individuals like Epstein exploit political systems through a complex web of favors, money, networking, and potential blackmail, with connections spanning from Trump and Musk to Steve Bannon and Nigel Farage.
- The Core of the Epstein Scandal
- Peter Mandelson's Compromising Connections
Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell discuss the killing of Alex Preti by ICE officers in Minnesota, examining how the Trump administration is framing protesters as domestic terrorists. They analyze the Conservative Party's struggle for direction after Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK, and debate whether a new centrist movement can succeed. The episode features an in-depth interview with Gary Haugen and Molly Hodson from the International Justice Mission about the devastating scale of online child sexual exploitation and the urgent need for political action.
- ICE Killings in Minnesota and Democratic Erosion
- Conservative Party Identity Crisis and the Centrist Movement
Summary Preview
Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell analyze the seismic shift in global politics following Trump's threats against Greenland and the response from European leaders, particularly Mark Carney's landmark speech at Davos. They explore how this represents a fundamental rupture in the post-WWII American-led order and what it means for middle powers like the UK. The discussion then turns domestic, examining the Labour Party's controversial decision to block Andy Burnham from standing for Parliament and the growing questions about Keir Starmer's future as prime minister.
- The Davos Moment: A Rupture, Not a Transition
- Britain's National Security Dilemma: Breaking Free from US Dependency
What If the AI Revolution Isn’t Real?
Jan 25, 2026Summary Preview
Arvind Narayanan, director of Princeton's Center for Information Technology Policy, challenges both AI doomsayers and hypers by arguing that AI is fundamentally a normal technology that will bring gradual rather than revolutionary change. He contends that attempting to assign probabilities to existential AI risk is fundamentally flawed, that stopping frontier AI development is both impossible and misguided, and that focusing on transparency, defensive AI capabilities, and addressing current harms is more productive than catastrophic risk speculation. The conversation explores the tension between security-focused executives and safety-focused legislators, the futility of the 'pause AI' movement, and growing regulatory conflicts between Silicon Valley and European policymakers.
- The Futility of Probability-Based AI Risk Assessment
- Why Stopping AI Development Is Impossible
493. Trump Insults NATO Troops
Jan 23, 2026Summary Preview
Alastair Campbell and Anthony Scaramucci convene for an emergency live episode from Davos to address Donald Trump's recent controversial comments dismissing NATO allies' military contributions in Afghanistan. The discussion centers on Trump's claim that allied troops 'stayed a little back from the front lines,' which both hosts find deeply offensive given the 457 British troops and significant casualties from other nations who died serving alongside America. The conversation expands into broader concerns about Trump's mental fitness, his treatment of allies, and whether this behavior will ultimately lead to his political downfall.
- Trump's Offensive NATO Comments Spark Outrage
- American Apology and Defense of the Alliance
Summary Preview
Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart broadcast from Davos, discussing Trump's actions on Greenland and whether the World Cup should be boycotted, Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK, the situation in Syria following recent Kurdish conflicts, and reflections on political oratory. They debate the implications of normalizing Trump's authoritarianism and whether boycotts would be effective given Trump's ability to weaponize opposition. The conversation highlights the declining state of globalization and the rules-based international order that Davos once championed.
- World Cup Boycott Debate and Trump's Greenland Actions
- Davos Observations: Decline of Globalization and Billionaire Culture