07 Apr 2026
50m

518. Is Trump a Fascist and is His War on Iran Unwinnable?

Podcast cover

The Rest Is Politics

The podcast episode centers on whether Donald Trump can be defined as a fascist, revisiting a prior debate on the topic. Dominic Sandbrook argues against the label, citing Trump's lack of consistent ideology and narcissistic tendencies, while Alastair Campbell lists traits of fascism and contends Trump meets most criteria. They discuss the role of figures like Stephen Miller and tech leaders in promoting fascist-adjacent ideas. The conversation shifts to the ongoing conflict with Iran, questioning who is winning and the potential for war crimes, with Trump's erratic statements and actions drawing criticism. The hosts also examine the instability in Lebanon and Iraq, and the implications of religious nationalism.

Outlines

Part 1: Fascism, Definitions

Part 2: Democracy, Global Conflict

Part 3: Partisanship, Regional Crises

Part 4: Future Outlook

Sign in to continue reading, translating and more.

Open full episode in Podwise