logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2023
57m 22s

111. The Iraq War

Goalhanger
About this episode
20 years on from the invasion of Iraq, Rory speaks to Alastair about the build up, aftermath, and legacy of the event. The second episode in this series, 'Iraq: The Legacy', will be released tomorrow. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book ... Show More
Up next
Today
473. Europe vs. Trump: Competing Visions for a Ukraine Peace Deal (Question Time)
What happens to global leadership when the US ghosts the G20 and COP, and can middle powers really keep the world moving? Is Britain ignoring a major foreign-interference scandal? And, how close is the West Bank to total economic collapse—and why isn’t anyone talking about it? ... Show More
1h 8m
Nov 23
472. Is Trump’s Peace 'Plan’ Forced Surrender for Ukraine?
Who is really behind the White House 'peace plan' for Ukraine: Trump or Putin? Why isn't Europe taking the threat from Russia more seriously, and doing more to protect Ukraine? How does all of this relate to Russia’s hybrid warfare and the ex-leader of Reform UK in Wales taking p ... Show More
55m 38s
Nov 21
471. Rory Stewart: How the Government Tried to Silence Me on Lockdowns
Why did Boris Johnson and the British government not only fail to listen, but actively try to suppress early warnings about the pandemic? How did groupthink and optimism bias cripple the UK's response? And is Britain's government structurally too slow to handle future threats lik ... Show More
32m 13s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
79. Nadhim Zahawi: Iraq, Conservatism, and why he backed Boris Johnson
What does the former Chancellor make of the current Conservative election campaign? What was his experience escaping Saddam Hussein's Iraq? And does he stand by his support of Boris Johnson and Brexit? Nadhim Zahawi joins Rory and Alastair to answer all these questions and more ... Show More
48m 54s
May 2024
73. Kwasi Kwarteng: Boris Johnson, the British Empire, and Rwanda (Part 1)
"If I were 22 now, I probably wouldn't vote Conservative" - Kwasi Kwarteng In the first of two episodes with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rory and Alastair speak to Kwasi about the future of the Tory Party, New Labour's conservatism, Rishi Sunak, Rwanda, Brexit, Liz T ... Show More
44m 9s
May 2023
16: Tony Blair: Taking insults, swallowing pride, and negotiating with both sides
How was peace achieved in Northern Ireland? What was it like speaking to the IRA, loyalist paramilitary groups and victims simultaneously? Who were the most important individuals involved in the peace process? To mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Alastair a ... Show More
43m 36s
Jan 2024
53. Seb Coe: Corruption, gender, and the geopolitics of sport
Will doping ever be defeated in sport? What was it like going from world class runner to government whip? Are the Tories finished in Britain? In the first Leading episode of 2024, Rory and Alastair are joined by Seb Coe to discuss all this and more. TRIP Plus: Become a member o ... Show More
1h 1m
Nov 2023
44. Mark Carney: Bank of England, Trussonomics, and Brexit
Can financial markets help fight climate change? What's the true economic theory behind austerity? What does the Bank of England actually do? Tune in to today's episode of Leading, where Mark Carney joins Rory and Alastair to answer all these questions and more. TRIP Plus: Beco ... Show More
1h 3m
Jul 2023
25: Michael Ignatieff: Fighting Orban's Global Conservative Cabal
What's it like to know how your obituary will read? What makes the democratic system the best for fighting against climate change? How does politics change a person, whether they like it or not? Alastair and Rory sit down with politician, academic, and writer Michael Ignatieff on ... Show More
1h 2m
Feb 2024
60. Anthony Scaramucci: What it's like to be Donald Trump's Communications Director
Would a second Trump presidency be far more right wing? What drives the former US president? Is he trying to do a deal with Taylor Swift? In this week's episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are joined by Anthony Scaramucci, Trump's former spin doctor, where he answers all these ... Show More
1h 8m
Feb 2024
61. James Rubin: Working for Biden, American intervention, and the fight against Russian disinformation
“You took me to one side and said be very, very careful of these people, these neo-cons. Because they’re going to use this to do all sorts of stuff that you shouldn’t be involved in.” What are the limits of foreign intervention? Do the American people still want their country to ... Show More
1h 8m
Feb 2024
WWDTM: Hail to the Chief Editon
To celebrate Presidents' Day, we're revisiting interviews that would EASILY win the popular vote, including Ray Romano, Rosie Perez, Steve Earle, and more! Get access to bonus episodes, sponsor-free listening, and the chance to participate in a quiz with Peter Sagal when you sign ... Show More
48m 23s