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What does the killing of Hezbollah’s leader mean for the Middle East? Who will be Labour’s next cabinet secretary? How did the far right win in Austria? Join Rory and Alastair as they answer all these...
· 52 min 11 sec
What constitutes an autocratic state? How did populism come to dominate global politics from 2012-2014? When and how will the war in Ukraine end? On today’s episode of Leading, Rory and Alastair are j...
· 51 min 2 sec
Was the recent election in Brandenburg really a “huge success” for the far-right AfD? Why are MPs allowed to be on their phones in the House of Commons? And what are Rory and Alastair’s go-to karaoke...
· 34 min 42 sec
Does Starmer’s government lack a strategic vision? Are we on the brink of a wider war in the Middle East? Why has society turned a blind eye to those living with Long Covid? Join Rory and Alastair as...
· 59 min 45 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.