The Rest Is Politics: Episode 420 - Question Time: The History of Iran vs. the West Release Date: June 25, 2025
Hosts: Alastair Campbell & Rory Stewart
Podcast Description: Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart dissect current affairs in the UK and globally, offering expert analysis and insider perspectives on British and international politics.
1. Introduction
The episode begins with promotional segments for The Rest Is Politics Plus membership and sponsors like Home Depot and Fuse Energy. These segments provide information on exclusive content, ad-free listening, and special offers for members.
2. Question Time: The History of Iran vs. the West
Timestamp: [02:16] - [06:15]
Rory Stewart provides an in-depth explainer on Iran's historical and contemporary relations with the West, particularly focusing on its interactions with the US, UK, and Israel.
Key Points:
- Ancient Persia: Iran, historically known as Persia, has been a significant civilization bridging the Middle East and Asia.
- 20th Century Shifts: The Shah's alliance with the US post-1950s, the 1979 Iranian Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini, and the subsequent shift towards a conservative regime.
- Current Relations: Ongoing tensions with the US, particularly post-revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, and the regime's antagonistic stance towards Israel and potential nuclear ambitions.
- Internal Divide: Rory notes the stark contrast between Iran's conservative rural populace and its cosmopolitan urban elite, highlighting societal tensions and movements against the regime.
Notable Quote:
"It's a very, very fascinating country and a country pushing in two different directions and has been for 40 years or more."
— Rory Stewart [05:58]
3. The Iran Crisis as a Distraction
Timestamp: [06:15] - [07:57]
Alastair Campbell introduces a Trip member question from Leeds regarding how the Iran crisis serves as a distraction for Russia's actions in Ukraine and Gaza, and the potential implications for China.
Rory Stewart expresses concern that intense focus on Iran might embolden Vladimir Putin to continue aggression in Ukraine, as global attention is diverted. He also touches upon humanitarian issues in Gaza and the media's role in spotlighting conflicts selectively.
Notable Quote:
"There is a real danger now that Putin is sitting there thinking, right, these guys are now so consumed about this, keep them over there and I'll just keep going with Ukraine."
— Rory Stewart [07:03]
4. NATO Summit and US Involvement
Timestamp: [07:57] - [12:13]
A Trip member from London inquires about NATO's future, especially in light of President Trump's unpredictable stance on the alliance and Article 5.
Alastair Campbell argues against the US stepping away from NATO, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong alliance despite challenges posed by leaders like Trump who view NATO as an "international nuisance."
Rory Stewart highlights NATO members' commitment to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP, underscoring a collective effort to bolster the alliance's strength despite logistical challenges and opt-outs like Spain's.
Notable Quote:
"It's absolutely in our interest to try to keep NATO as strong as it's been through most of our lifetime. It's going to be hard, though."
— Alastair Campbell [10:34]
5. Rory Stewart’s Critique of French Politics
Timestamp: [12:40] - [21:39]
Sophie Pedder, a producer, questions Rory Stewart's apparent disdain for French politicians, particularly President Emmanuel Macron.
Rory Stewart clarifies that his critiques are directed towards political actions rather than personal sentiments. He praises Macron's initial steps in creating a centrist movement but expresses disappointment over Macron's failure to deliver coherent policies, his tendency to grandstand, and perceived political misjudgments.
Notable Interaction:
- Alastair Campbell: "Rory, we had quite. Including a friend of yours got in touch with me and said, what did you do to Rory today? He was so grouchy and grumpy and rude with that man."
- Rory Stewart: "I'm an equal opportunity abuser. You can see me being very rude about British politicians."
6. Energy Prices and Renewable Energy
Timestamp: [25:07] - [28:57]
A Trip member, Emmett, asks about the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on global oil prices and the UK government's renewable energy investments.
Rory Stewart discusses the volatility of oil prices due to geopolitical events, emphasizing how Britain's energy prices are closely tied to global markets. He advocates for renewable energy as part of the solution but acknowledges challenges in storage and reliability.
Alastair Campbell reinforces the importance of renewable energy in achieving net-zero goals, highlighting the potential consequences of disrupted oil supplies, such as increased consumer bills and economic instability.
Notable Quote:
"When oil prices go up, it really hits cost of living in Britain."
— Rory Stewart [26:19]
7. The Great Man Theory of History
Timestamp: [28:57] - [35:14]
A Trip member, Rich, questions the influence of individual leaders in historical and current conflicts, challenging the "Great Man" theory.
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart debate the extent to which individual leaders like Vladimir Putin, Ali Khamenei, and Donald Trump shape global events versus broader socio-economic factors. They acknowledge that while systemic issues play a significant role, charismatic and influential leaders can steer agendas and impact international relations substantially.
Notable Quote:
"It's a world in which the people who really seem to be making the weather are people who on the surface seem quite kind of buffoonish and unserious."
— Rory Stewart [35:14]
8. Assisted Dying Bill Debate
Timestamp: [38:18] - [44:25]
A Trip member, Landy Roberts, poses a moral and constitutional question regarding assisted dying and the role of the House of Lords.
Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart share their perspectives:
- Alastair Campbell expresses support for the Assisted Dying Bill, emphasizing personal autonomy.
- Rory Stewart voices concerns about the potential for societal pressures leading vulnerable individuals to choose death, highlighting data from the Netherlands indicating a rise in assisted dying applications.
They discuss the constitutional implications, particularly the House of Lords' involvement in legislating such sensitive issues.
Notable Quote:
"I wouldn't want everybody to feel that just because they're getting older and frightened that, that they're somehow demeaning themselves and becoming a nuisance and they might as well pop on."
— Rory Stewart [43:59]
9. The British Monarchy and Geopolitics
Timestamp: [44:25] - [51:40]
Discussion centers around the British monarchy's role in international relations, particularly King Charles III's interactions with global leaders like President Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
Rory Stewart praises the King's adeptness at hosting and strengthening diplomatic relationships, noting his unique ability to connect with leaders and influence soft power dynamics.
Alastair Campbell contemplates the inherent power dynamics and ceremonial responsibilities of the monarchy, questioning how candid the King can be given his constitutional role.
Notable Quote:
"He's getting into the kind of awkward parts of his role, where he has strong personal views about what's going wrong in the world and who he thinks is causing trouble with his responsibility to represent the state."
— Alastair Campbell [46:17]
10. Closing Discussions and Reflections
Timestamp: [51:40] - [52:00]
The hosts wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming content, including Episode Two of the "Who Is the Real JD Vance" series, and remind listeners about The Rest Is Politics Plus membership benefits.
Notable Quotes Summary
- Rory Stewart [02:34]: "It's a very, very fascinating country and a country pushing in two different directions and has been for 40 years or more."
- Alastair Campbell [10:34]: "It's absolutely in our interest to try to keep NATO as strong as it's been through most of our lifetime."
- Rory Stewart [07:03]: "There is a real danger now that Putin is sitting there thinking... I'll just keep going with Ukraine."
- Rory Stewart [35:14]: "It's a world in which the people who really seem to be making the weather are people who on the surface seem quite kind of buffoonish and unserious."
- Rory Stewart [43:59]: "I wouldn't want everybody to feel that just because they're getting older and frightened that... they might as well pop on."
Conclusion
Episode 420 of The Rest Is Politics offers a comprehensive exploration of Iran's historical and current geopolitical stance, the complexities of NATO alliances amidst shifting US policies, critiques of French political leadership, the intricate dynamics of energy prices and renewable investments, and nuanced debates on constitutional matters like the Assisted Dying Bill. The hosts also delve into the enduring relevance of individual leaders in shaping global events and examine the British monarchy's subtle yet impactful role in international diplomacy. Throughout the episode, Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart engage in thoughtful discussions, providing listeners with valuable insights into pressing political issues.