The Rest Is Politics: 2025's Most Shocking Moments & Year-End Reviews

Trump Presidency's Impact

• ⚠️ The first year of a potential Trump presidency is described as unexpectedly awful on many levels, more organized, extreme, and terrible than anticipated.
• ⚖️ Concerns are raised about the undermining of the rule of law, chaotic behavior, and questionable budget allocations.
• 🌍 International relations are highlighted, with specific examples of how Trump's presidency could impact countries like India and Israel.

Personal Highlights of the Year

• ⚽ Rory's personal highlight was being chosen as captain for a pro-am football match, playing alongside a Luca Modrić look-alike.
• 🌳 Alastair's highlight involved playing bagpipes to his favorite tree, the Scupinish Oak, for a Woodland Trust exhibition.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Rory also cherishes morning expeditions with his children to get croissants as a precious family ritual.

Books of the Year

• 📚 The top book recommendation is "If Russia Wins" by Carlo Masala, a realistic scenario of what happens if Russia wins the war in Ukraine.
• 🤖 A self-published novel about an AI companion that becomes deeply integrated into a family's life, eventually linking to North Korea's nuclear program, is also highlighted.
• 🎶 "Bagpipes: A Cultural History" by Richard McLolin is praised for its comprehensive look at the instrument's history.
• ✍️ Rory recommends Nick Harkaway's "Titanium Noir" series for its exploration of dystopian futures and the perception of time.
• 💡 "Empire of AI" by Karen Hao is suggested for those interested in the business and personalities behind AI development.
• 🧘 Matthew Ricard's "Notebook of a Wandering Monk" offers insights from a Tibetan Buddhist monk's life and retreats.

Film, TV, and Cultural Events

• 🎬 The film of the year is "The Ballad of Wallace Island," a darkly humorous story about a wealthy man luring musicians to a remote island.
• ⚖️ "Nuremberg," featuring Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring, is lauded for its powerful depiction of evil and charisma.
• 📺 "Slow Horses" is named TV show of the year, with "Blue Lights" (a police drama set in Northern Ireland) as a runner-up.
• 🇬🇧 Rory's pick for best new place visited is Colombia, specifically the "Rainbow River" for its unique natural beauty.
• 🏊 Alastair's favorite new place is the bathing pools at La Vallette on Guernsey, noted for its cold water swimming and saunas.
• 🎭 Cultural events include the refurbished Notre Dame and a David Hockney exhibition in Paris.
• 🎬 The National Theater's filmed production of "The Fifth Step," about Alcoholics Anonymous, is praised for its powerful acting and cinematic presentation.
• 👑 The exhibition on Marie Antoinette at the Victoria and Albert Museum is highlighted for its exploration of celebrity, power, and public downfall.
• 🎨 Exhibitions by Turquoise Mountain showcasing crafts from conflict zones like Palestine and Afghanistan are recognized for promoting economic development and beauty.

Campaigner of the Year

• 🇺🇸 Zorana Mandani is celebrated as a brilliant campaigner for his rise to a global figure from a local New York position.
• 🎗️ The UK campaign for prostate cancer awareness and PSA testing is recognized for its vital role in saving lives, exemplified by David Cameron's diagnosis.