177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism

184. President of Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Apr 9, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, host Alistair Campbell sits down with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. The discussion transcends typical political discourse, offering a deeply personal look at a leader navigating an existential crisis. Zelenskyy reflects on his unlikely journey from a career in law and entertainment to the presidency, emphasizing how his background as an actor and producer shaped his approach to communication and crisis management. The conversation delves into the brutal reality of the ongoing war, with Zelenskyy offering a blunt assessment of Vladimir Putin’s strategy. He warns that calls for diplomacy and ceasefires are often tactical maneuvers by the Kremlin to regroup rather than genuine paths to peace. Zelenskyy remains firm in his skepticism of Russian intentions, arguing that the goal of the invasion remains the total subjugation of Ukraine. Furthermore, he shares a bold vision for European security, proposing a new alliance involving the UK, Ukraine, Turkey, and Norway. The episode concludes on a poignant note as Zelenskyy discusses the profound personal toll of the war, particularly the duty of meeting families of the fallen.

183. From Bradford to Westminster: Faith, Identity, and Power (Naz Shah)

Apr 5, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, hosts Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell sit down with Labour MP Naz Shah for an deeply moving conversation about her life, identity, and the path that led her to Westminster. The discussion begins with the harrowing details of Shah's upbringing in Bradford and Pakistan, marked by extreme poverty, domestic violence, and a complex web of familial abuse. Shah provides a powerful account of her mother’s struggles, including an abusive marriage, her mother’s eventual conviction for murder, and how these experiences served as Shah’s first, albeit painful, introduction to the political and legal systems. Beyond her past, Shah discusses her decade-long political career and her commitment to serving her constituents. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on her faith, with Shah explaining how Islam became a source of strength and a tool for challenging patriarchy, rather than the source of it. She reflects on the "honour" inherent in her faith and the importance of self-actualization. Throughout the episode, Shah offers a raw, honest perspective on surviving trauma, breaking generational cycles, and finding purpose through public service.

182. Culture Wars, Identity, and What Needs To Change In Congress (Sarah McBride)

Mar 29, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell sit down with Sarah McBride, a Delaware state senator and the first transgender member of the United States Congress. The conversation explores McBride’s journey into politics, which she describes as being rooted in a personal quest for hope and a desire to build a more inclusive society. The discussion addresses the weaponization of identity politics in the United States and the United Kingdom, with McBride explaining the psychological reality of gender dysphoria and the challenges of living authentically in a polarized climate. She argues against the policing of gender in public spaces, emphasizing that discomfort is not a valid basis for exclusion. Beyond identity, McBride discusses the systemic double standards faced by the Democratic and Republican parties, describing the former as an avatar for marginalized voices and the latter as the representative of traditional male authority. The episode also moves into foreign policy, where McBride shares her perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict, the necessity of a two-state solution, and the dangers posed by isolationist trends in American foreign affairs.

181. Ai Weiwei: China, Censorship, and Dissidence Through Art

Mar 23, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell welcome renowned Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. The discussion offers a deep dive into Ai’s extraordinary life, tracing his journey from his childhood in a remote Chinese labor camp to his emergence as a globally recognized, albeit controversial, voice in contemporary art and politics. Ai reflects on his father’s exile, which profoundly shaped his skepticism toward absolute power and the way mass movements can blind societies to the truth. He provides a fascinating perspective on his own radicalization, which was catalyzed by the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. His decision to investigate and document the thousands of schoolchildren who died in poorly constructed schools brought him into direct, dangerous conflict with the Chinese state. The conversation explores the blurred lines between art and activism, with Ai questioning whether he is truly an artist or simply a human being driven to speak out against injustice. By bridging his experiences in China and the West, he offers critical insights into censorship, freedom of speech, and the historical complexities of the modern global order.

180. The Only European Leader Defying Trump? (Pedro Sánchez)

Mar 16, 20261h 15mSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, hosts Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell travel to La Moncloa in Madrid for an in-depth conversation with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez. The discussion spans a wide range of international and domestic issues, focusing on Spain’s evolving role on the global stage and the broader challenges facing Europe. Sánchez addresses his government's firm stance on international law, particularly regarding conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East, emphasizing the need for consistency even when it creates friction with traditional allies like the United States. He discusses the importance of "real allies" telling each other the truth and highlights his concerns regarding the unilateral nature of modern trade and foreign policies. The conversation also explores the rise of the far-right in Europe and the perceived weakening of the international rules-based order. Additionally, Sánchez explains his pragmatic approach to immigration, viewing it as an essential economic necessity for combating demographic decline rather than solely a security threat. The Prime Minister makes a compelling case for further European integration—specifically in energy and capital markets—and shares his vision for a stronger, more united European Union that remains a "force for good" in global affairs.

179. President Stubb: Trump’s Unlikely Best Friend

Mar 9, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, the hosts sit down with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, for a wide-ranging conversation on his unique journey from a sports-obsessed youth to the highest office in his country. Stubb reflects on his formative years, including his time studying in the United States and his eventual shift from academia to the front lines of European politics. He provides candid insights into the realities of leadership, specifically comparing the intense, often overwhelming pressures of being a Prime Minister to the foreign policy-focused role of the presidency. The discussion shifts to the current geopolitical landscape, where Stubb elaborates on the arguments presented in his latest book regarding the "triangle" of global powers. He characterizes the current world order as being in a state of critical transition, emphasizing the need for the Global West to adopt "values-based realism" when engaging with the Global South. Stubb also offers a compelling analysis of China’s patient, strategic rise in contrast to Russia’s aggressive, imperialistic decline, while stressing that democratic systems must urgently adapt to the rapid, uncontrollable demands of the digital and social media age.

178. Gavin Newsom: The Next President Of The United States?

Mar 2, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics: Leading, hosts Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell are joined by California Governor Gavin Newsom for a candid conversation that moves beyond standard political talking points. Newsom reflects on his upbringing, discussing the challenges of severe dyslexia and the complex family dynamics that shaped his path to the governor’s office. He speaks openly about his forthcoming memoir, describing it as an honest account of his personal struggles, including past mistakes and his mother’s experience with assisted suicide, rather than a traditional, sanitized political biography. The discussion shifts to the current American political climate, with Newsom critiquing the aggressive strategies of the Trump administration. He offers a psychological perspective on Donald Trump, characterizing him as a malignant narcissist who responds to strength rather than appeasement. Newsom also reflects on his own evolving social media strategy, which he adopted to challenge the political status quo and expose the influence of figures like Rupert Murdoch. Throughout the episode, Newsom emphasizes the necessity of authenticity and transparency in a new era of politics, where leaders must be willing to embrace risk, iteration, and direct engagement with the public.

176. How Close Are We To War With Iran? (Robert Malley)

175. Ex-Director of GCHQ: China, Russia, and the Threats Facing the UK (Jeremy Fleming)

174. Taking On Europe's Last Dictator: The Fight Against Lukashenko and Putin