484. War in Europe, Trump’s Destruction of Institutions, and Britain’s National Treasures (Question Time)
1 January 2026
Podcast
11 November 2024
Was the surge in Iraq a success for the United States? How critical are alliances to maintaining global stability? How can leaders maintain resilience and integrity in the face of public scrutiny?
Rory and Alastair are joined by General David Petraeus, ex-CIA Director and United States Army general during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to answer all these questions and more.
TRIP Plus:
Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes.
Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics.
Instagram:
Twitter:
Email:
Assistant Producer: India Dunkley
Social Producer: Jess Kidson
Producer: Nicole Maslen
Senior Producer: Dom Johnson
Head of Content: Tom Whiter
Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
1 minute(s) read
Recent Podcasts
1 January 2026
Posted by Alastair Campbell
483. The Future of British Politics, How The World Order Is Changing, and The Power of History
What does this year look like for the future of British politics? How is the global order going to be reshaped? And will the power of historical narratives become even stronger this year? L... Continue31 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Alastair Campbell’s Diary: How we must fight the 3Cs in 2026
Crime, corruption and cruelty show how leaders like Trump and Bukele exploit power, and why they must be stopped... Continue31 December 2025
168. A Climate Special: Populism, Security, and Leadership
Can the planet sustain infinite economic growth, or is GDP a flawed metric? Is the UK genuinely decarbonising, or is it simply outsourcing its pollution? How can politicians defeat the populi... Continue29 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
482. A Trumpian Year, the Politics of Hope and Highlights of 2025
What surprised Rory and Alastair most about 2025? Why does Trump's presidency feel even more chaotic than expected? And who gets their vote for campaigner of the year? Join Rory and Alastair... Continue25 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
481. Polanski, Macron & al-Sharaa: The Best & Worst Politicians of 2025
Who deserves the title of UK politician of the year - and who gets worst? What was the most consequential moment of Trump's presidency so far? And can Rory convince Alastair that Christmas is... Continue24 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams)
From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression? Rory... Continue22 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
19 December 2025
Posted by Alastair Campbell
Surprised that Rory and Alastair were surprised by US lack of planning. It’s always been the case that they want to do something ‘straight away’ and then worry about what comes after. Read Alan Brooke’s diary. The American military wanted to gets boots into mainland Europe as soon as possible after they joined the war. They had no idea about what they were going to do after landing and no conception that the Axis forces might react to them.