<p>What was the worst political mistake in modern history? How do religious Republicans bring themselves to support Trump? Was it wrong to describe the fall of the Soviet Union as ‘The End of History’?</p><br><p>On today’s episode of Leading, Alastair and Rory sit down with political scientist and writer Francis Fukuyama to answer all these questions, discuss why he coined the phrase ‘The End of History’, and argue whether authoritarian regimes are ‘destined’ to fail.</p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: <a href="http://apple.co/therestispolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apple.co/therestispolitics</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>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 today's episode of Leading to discuss all this and more.</p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: <a href="http://apple.co/therestispolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">apple.co/therestispolitics</a>.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>What was it like fighting New Labour? Why did Black Wednesday happen? How did Ian McKellen help bring the campaign for gay rights into Downing Street?</p><br><p>Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions with Sir John Major in the second of two episodes with the former Tory prime minister.</p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Why is Sir John Major a Tory? How did he make it from Brixton to 10 Downing Street? What was it like to witness the fall of Margaret Thatcher first hand?</p><br><p>In the first of two episodes, Rory and Alastair are joined by the former prime minister to answer all these questions and more.</p><br><p><strong>John Major - Episode 2:</strong></p><p>If you'd like to hear episode two right now, sign up to <a href="www.therestispolitics.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest is Politics Plus</a> at <a href="www.therestispolitics.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a> for £3.49. You'll also 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.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the 21st century, the impact of financial and environmental crises can be felt by all. But how do we marry the nature of the economy with the ever depleting means of the planet? Rory and Alastair discuss the radical doughnut economic model with economist Kate Raworth to unpick how it could work politically, and how it is already helping cities to thrive in balance.</p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of <a href="www.therestispolitics.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a> to support the podcast, 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 <a href="www.therestispolitics.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a> to sign up.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>For former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, the personal is the political. Growing up in Belfast with a deeply personal link to sectarian violence, her aim as President was to promote unity and build bridges between political, religious and cultural divides. Alastair speaks to her about misogyny in the Catholic Church, her role as a human rights lawyer, the violence of the Troubles, and much, much more. </p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>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 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.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The role of Downing Street Chief of Staff was created for him, and he was the only senior advisor to last the whole period of Tony Blair's premiership - but who is the real Jonathan Powell, and how did he do it? </p><p>Rory and Alastair are joined by Jonathan Powell to discuss the New Labour years, the Northern Ireland peace process, how he negotiates with terrorists, and more. </p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How does the Irish Taoiseach feel about Brexit? Would Leo Varadkar consider himself a Tory in the English parliamentary system? Does Ireland have a problem with alcohol?</p><br><p>Leo Varadkar speaks to Rory and Alastair about all this, plus his childhood in Dublin, juggling social liberalism with economic conservatism, and the future of AI in healthcare.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Does George Osborne regret leaving politics? Does he think Sunak can win the next general election? What did he admire about New Labour, Tony Blair, and Gordon Brown?</p><br><p>Tune in to today's episode of Leading to hear Alastair and Rory's conversation with the former Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, 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&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>How much do you know about Thatcher's back channels with Irish republicans during the Troubles? What are Gerry Adams' emotions towards the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing, looking back now in 2023? Who were the most important people in the negotiations that brought peace to the island of Ireland?</p><br><p>Alastair and Rory sat down with the former Sinn Féin president to discuss all these questions and more in today's episode of Leading.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>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?</p><br><p>To mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, Alastair and Rory are joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to answer all these questions and more.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Will Donald Trump return to the White House? What happened behind the scenes during the killing of Osama Bin Laden? How should we combat the insidious effect of technology and social media on the younger generation?</p><br><p>Alastair and Rory are joined by Hillary Rodham Clinton to discuss all this and more on today's episode of Leading.</p><br><p><strong>Instagram:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/restispolitics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@restispolitics</a></p><br><p><strong>Twitter:</strong></p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/RestIsPolitics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RestIsPolitics</a></p><br><p><br></p><p><strong>TRIP Plus:</strong></p><p>Become a member of&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Rest Is Politics Plus</a>&nbsp;to support the podcast, receive a weekly newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to&nbsp;<a href="https://therestispolitics.supportingcast.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">therestispolitics.com</a>&nbsp;to sign up.</p><br><p><strong>Email:</strong></p><p>restispolitics@gmail.com</p><br><p>Producers: Dom Johnson + Nicole Maslen</p><br><p>Exec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>