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How can Gaza be rebuilt after any ceasefire is agreed? What are the ‘six deadly sins’ of the liberal centre? What should we make of Starmer’s AI action plan for Britain?Join Rory and Alastair as they...
· 1 hr 3 min 5 sec
How can AI help solve global problems such as poverty, hunger, and disease? Is there a hidden dark side to this new technology? What is in store for the future of artificial intelligence?Rory and Alas...
· 1 hr 8 min 54 sec
Are the media ignoring what’s happening in Gaza? Should the UK be boycotting the cricket in Afghanistan? And, how worried should we be about democratic backsliding in Georgia and Venezuela? Join Rory...
· 43 min 3 sec
What's behind Musk's spiral into the far right? Is Robert Jenrick veering into Enoch Powell territory? Is Austria on the precipice of a new form of fascism?Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all th...
· 1 hr 1 min 36 sec
About the Hosts
Alastair Campbell is a prominent British figure best known for his role as Tony Blair's spokesman, press secretary, and director of communications and strategy during Blair's time as Prime Minister. Since leaving his full-time government role in 2003, Campbell has diversified his career, becoming a prolific author, podcaster, mental health advocate, and political strategist. He has written nineteen books, including diaries, novels, and non-fiction works on topics ranging from politics to mental health.
Beyond his media endeavours, Campbell remains actively involved in politics and campaigning, both in the UK and internationally. He has advised various political parties and leaders, including the Albanian Socialist Party and French Presidents François Hollande and Emmanuel Macron. Campbell is also a dedicated mental health advocate, drawing from his personal experiences with depression and addiction to support various charities and initiatives. His work in this area has been recognied with awards and an honorary fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Additionally, he maintains interests in sports, particularly football, and continues to engage in public speaking, consulting, and media appearances on a wide range of topics.
Rory Stewart has had a diverse and accomplished career spanning academia, writing, adventure, politics, and diplomacy. After serving in the Army and diplomatic service, he gained recognition for his 6,000-mile walk across Asia, including Afghanistan shortly after the US invasion, which he documented in his award-winning book "The Places In Between." Stewart's experiences also include serving as Deputy Governor in Iraq, founding a charity in Kabul, and teaching at Harvard. His adventures and insights have been chronicled in multiple best-selling books.
Stewart's political career in the UK saw him rise to prominent positions within the Conservative Party. He served as an MP, chaired the Defence Select Committee, and held ministerial posts, including Secretary of State for International Development.
His bid for Conservative Party leadership, though unsuccessful, gained unexpected support and introduced a more moderate, progressive tone to the contest. Currently, Stewart is a Senior Fellow at Yale's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, where he teaches politics and international relations, focusing on international development, intervention in fragile states, and the broader crisis in contemporary politics.