Matt Kennard is a British investigative journalist known for his work exposing the corruption and violence of Western imperialism, particularly through military interventions, economic policies, and corporate exploitation. His book _The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs. the Masters of the Universe_ (2015) delves into how the United States and its allies maintain global control through military power, economic coercion, and the suppression of dissent. Kennard critiques institutions like the [[The International Monetary Fund|IMF]] and the World Bank, showing how they operate as tools of imperial power, keeping poorer nations dependent and exploitable. His work aligns with a long tradition of anti-imperialist journalism, revealing how power structures disguise their actions as humanitarian or democratic efforts while actually serving elite interests. **Avatar: A Critique of American Imperialism** James Cameron’s _Avatar_ (2009) offers a more direct allegory for American imperialism, particularly in its depiction of corporate-military collusion to exploit indigenous lands. The story follows a familiar pattern: a technologically advanced force invades a resource-rich land, justifies its actions through propaganda, and meets resistance from the local population. The Na’vi, the indigenous inhabitants of Pandora, symbolize colonized peoples throughout history—from Native Americans to the victims of modern U.S. interventions in the Middle East and Latin America. The film critiques how imperial powers justify their actions, often under the guise of economic necessity, security concerns, or even civilizing missions. The Resources Development Administration (RDA) in _Avatar_ echoes real-world corporations and military-industrial partnerships that have fueled wars for [[Oil]], minerals, and geopolitical control. The use of a former Marine, Jake Sully, as the protagonist also reflects a deeper theme: those within the imperial system sometimes awaken to its brutality and switch sides, much like journalists, whistleblowers, or soldiers who become anti-imperialist critics. **Connecting the Themes: Empire, Control, and Resistance** Kennard’s journalism, _Andor_, and _Avatar_ all critique the ways empire sustains itself—through violence, economic coercion, and ideological narratives that frame oppression as progress. They also highlight the potential for resistance, whether through investigative reporting, grassroots rebellion, or outright insurgency. While _Andor_ focuses on the slow, systemic buildup of oppression and the personal cost of resistance, _Avatar_ presents a more mythic, revolutionary struggle. Kennard’s work, in contrast, grounds these themes in real-world power structures, showing how imperialism operates not just through war but through economic policies, propaganda, and elite networks. Together, these narratives expose the enduring mechanisms of empire and challenge audiences to question the systems of power that shape the world today. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:` [](https://www.waterstones.com/book/silent-coup/claire-provost/matt-kennard/9781350269989) #Media/Books/Social How [[Corporations]] have taken over the world