In a recent episode of Tsouroullis Uncensored, investigative journalist and author Matt Kennard sat down with Cypriot media executive, journalist and TV presenter Chrysanthos Tsouroullis to discuss global power structures, media manipulation, and the strategic importance of Cyprus. Kennard, who has worked at the Financial Times and contributed to major publications such as The Guardian and The New York Times, provided insight into the hidden workings of international politics and the role of Cyprus in Western military operations.
The media’s role in controlling narratives
Kennard argued that mainstream media organisations have become increasingly restrictive, not necessarily by spreading misinformation but by omitting crucial details. He described this as “propaganda by omission,” where key events are deliberately left unreported if they do not align with the interests of the state or powerful elites. He highlighted the lack of coverage by UK mainstream media regarding the role of British bases in Cyprus in facilitating military operations in Gaza as a prime example of this phenomenon.
“The Racket” and global power structures
Kennard expanded on themes from his book The Racket, explaining how Western power structures operate through institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and intelligence agencies. He described an “empire of acronyms” where organisations such as the CIA, DEA, and USAID enforce geopolitical and corporate interests worldwide. According to Kennard, these institutions maintain control by either economic manipulation or direct military intervention.
He explained that this system is not dependent on individual leaders or political parties but operates as a permanent government that influences global events. While figures like Trump may appear to change policy direction, Kennard argued that the same fundamental power structures remain in place, ensuring that Western corporate and geopolitical interests continue to dominate.
Cyprus and the British bases
A central theme of the discussion was Cyprus’ geopolitical importance and the continued presence of British sovereign bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Kennard pointed out that despite Cyprus gaining independence in 1960, the retention of these bases means the country remains under British influence. He argued that Cyprus cannot be truly independent while foreign military installations remain on its soil.
Kennard also revealed that declassified British documents indicate that Cyprus was secretly transformed into a NATO asset without the knowledge of its government, despite its official stance as a non-aligned nation. He argued that the UK has historically downplayed its military presence in Cyprus, noting that British bases lack national flags and operate with minimal visibility in an effort to avoid public scrutiny. He stressed that this presence has not necessarily protected Cyprus, as evidenced by the Turkish invasion of 1974, which occurred despite the UK maintaining a military foothold on the island.
Gaza, Cyprus, and international accountability
Kennard strongly criticised the role of the British bases in Cyprus in supporting military operations in Gaza. He described the situation in Gaza as a genocide, citing the International Court of Justice’s preliminary ruling that there is a plausible case for genocide. He argued that Cyprus has effectively become a launchpad for Western military interventions in the Middle East, including previous operations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
According to Kennard, these activities make Cyprus an unwilling accomplice to global conflicts. He emphasised that Cypriots should be aware that their country’s territory is being used to facilitate wars in which they have no stake. Furthermore, he warned that hosting these military installations could make Cyprus a target for retaliation from groups hostile to Western military actions.
Cyprus’ path to “true independence“
Kennard insisted that Cyprus should seek to remove all foreign military presence from its territory to achieve full sovereignty. He acknowledged that while public awareness of the issue has been limited, recent protests, particularly in Limassol and at RAF Akrotiri, indicate growing discontent with the continued presence of the British bases. He also noted that Brexit may provide an opportunity to reframe the debate, as the UK is no longer part of the EU and its presence in Cyprus could be reconsidered as a European issue.
He also revealed that the British sovereign base areas in Cyprus operate with little democratic oversight, being directly governed by a British-appointed Administrator. This, he argued, makes them effectively “military dictatorships” within Cyprus’ borders. The secrecy surrounding their operations means that even Cypriot government officials are often unaware of military activities conducted from these bases.
Kennard’s next steps
Kennard concluded by discussing his future projects, including a book examining the lingering influence of the British Empire and the myth that it was fully dismantled after World War II. He expressed a strong interest in continuing his work on Palestine and exposing the role of Western nations in international conflicts.
He also discussed how the awareness generated by recent events in Gaza has led many people to question broader power structures. He argued that while mainstream media fails to cover these issues, independent journalism plays a critical role in bringing hidden global power dynamics to light. Kennard also warned about the dangers of conspiracy theories, stating that while many people sense hidden power structures, the absence of rigorous journalism leads them to embrace misleading explanations.
He praised the Cypriot media for covering his investigations into the British bases, contrasting this with the silence of mainstream UK outlets. He expressed hope that Cypriots will continue pushing for greater transparency and sovereignty, encouraging them to challenge the British military presence on the island.
Kennard’s conversation with Tsouroullis shed light on Cyprus’ often-overlooked role in global geopolitics, highlighting the island’s strategic significance and the challenges it faces in achieving “full” independence.
*Matt Kennard is a British investigative journalist, author, and former reporter for the Financial Times. He has contributed to major publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Independent, covering topics related to global power structures, corporate influence, and military interventions. Kennard is the author of several books, including The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs. the Masters of the Universe, which examines how global elites maintain control through economic, military, and political mechanisms; Irregular Army: How the US Military Recruited Neo-Nazis, Gang Members, and Criminals to Fight the War on Terror, which explores the US military’s recruitment practices; Silent Coup: How Corporations Overthrew Democracy, co-authored with Claire Provost, which investigates the increasing power of multinational corporations over global governance; and As Firefighters Slept. He has also worked as the director of the Centre for Investigative Journalism in London and co-founded Declassified UK, a media platform focused on exposing the hidden workings of British foreign policy. His work often highlights issues of media censorship, imperialism, and the impact of Western institutions on developing nations.
You can watch the full discussion below:
