The Rest Is Politics
Goalhanger
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
430 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 55min
414. Israel vs. Iran: What Happens Next
Rory and Alastair dive into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, examining the recent military strikes and their historical context. They discuss how Israel's actions could reshape international relations and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. The duo also navigates the intricacies of military strategy and public perception, revealing the complex narratives surrounding both nations. Economic impacts, especially concerning global oil prices, add another layer to this riveting geopolitical analysis.
142 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
413. Question Time: How to solve Britain’s immigration question
The discussion tackles the BBC's airtime for Reform amid the UK migration debate. Advocates emphasize the need for a global refugee coalition and challenge the sensationalist narratives in media. Environmental activism is intertwined with geopolitical tensions, especially surrounding Israel-Palestine. Cyber warfare's evolving landscape raises alarms over AI's influence on jobs and cybersecurity. Finally, a humorous critique reveals how political speeches are crafted to sway public perception.
208 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 57min
412. Is Trump Starting a Civil War? | LA Protests
Tensions in U.S. politics are simmering, with recent protests raising questions about their impact on Trump’s agenda. The dynamics between Trump and Musk are analyzed, revealing the polarization rocking the nation. Internationally, the UK grapples with rising national debt amid a spending review, highlighting the government's economic strategies. The discussion also touches on Labour's evolving stance on austerity and the importance of youth involvement in political solutions, emphasizing creativity and inclusivity.
169 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 40min
411. Question Time: Gaza’s Aid Blocked, Trump’s Power Tested & Dominic Cummings’ Big Mistake
In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting the challenges journalists face in delivering accurate reports amidst political narratives. They delve into the pressing issues women in politics encounter, from online abuse to representation. The conversation shifts to Trump's turbulent legal battles and the implications of his tariffs on business. Finally, they analyze the rising far-right influence in Europe and how immigration affects political discourse, underscoring the need for accountability in leadership.
188 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 55min
410. China, Russia, and Cyberwarfare: Is the UK preparing for the wrong war?
Discover whether Labour is overstating the threat from Russia while overlooking the rising power of China. Delve into the implications of Poland's recent elections for European politics, especially regarding its support for Ukraine. Explore the evolving UK defense strategy in light of current global challenges and the innovative use of drones in Ukrainian warfare. Plus, learn about China's economic resurgence and the transformative impact of its Belt and Road Initiative on global trade.
146 snips
May 28, 2025 • 35min
409. Question Time: Trump's Golden Dome, Gaza's Global Outcry and Starmer's Prison Gamble
Rory and Alastair dive into the complexities of global leadership in relation to Trump, sparking intriguing discussions. They analyze the timing of criticisms from the UK, France, and Canada toward Israel amidst the Gaza crisis. The conversation shifts to the political landscape for young women, shedding light on their often-overlooked voices. Additionally, they tackle the ethical dilemmas of genetic manipulation in a bold exploration of efforts to recreate extinct species. It's a thought-provoking blend of current affairs, social issues, and futuristic science.
239 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
408. Broken Britain: Farage’s Plot to Outflank Labour
Explore the rise of Reform UK and the impact of Nigel Farage's populism on Labour's relevance. Delve into the urgent housing crisis as challenges mount in building affordable homes. Understand the shifting political landscape where traditional parties face voter dissatisfaction. Discover the intricacies of Trump’s controversial claims and his influence on global relations. Finally, hear insights on navigating online security while traveling and the complexities affecting Ukraine amidst geopolitical tensions.
123 snips
May 21, 2025 • 38min
407. Question Time: The U-turn Starmer Can’t Avoid
Rory and Alastair discuss the implications of Romania's recent elections, highlighting a victory for democracy over far-right extremism. They delve into the British penal system, exploring issues surrounding non-violent offenders and political miscommunications. The conversation touches on left-wing populism in Latin America, examining power consolidation and alarming rates of femicide. Lastly, they explore Turkey's Kurdish peace efforts and the importance of media identity in political representation, all sprinkled with engaging humor.
145 snips
May 20, 2025 • 38min
406. Biden, Springsteen, and Trump: Dancing in the Dark
Dive into the intriguing psychology behind Trump's recent remarks on Bruce Springsteen and Biden. Explore how his unpredictable actions might unexpectedly pave the way for peace in the Middle East. Discover the rise of far-right populism in Portugal and how disinformation shapes voter sentiment. With humor and insight, the hosts discuss the interplay between culture and politics, including a light-hearted look at Springsteen's lasting impact on American music and identity.
206 snips
May 19, 2025 • 32min
405. Starmer's EU Deal: A New Era
Is Starmer's new deal with the EU a breakthrough or a betrayal of Brexit? The hosts dive into the complexities of the trade agreement, discussing its impact on food and energy costs, while also tackling the controversial fishing rights that have left many fishermen frustrated. They explore the economic and political implications of post-Brexit relations, with insights on how this could reshape the UK's global stance and public opinion. Additionally, they dissect Starmer's political strategies and their alignment with broader global challenges.
