The Spider's Web: Britain's Second Empire

In the thought-provoking documentary The Spider's Web: Britain's Second Empire (2017), director Michael Oswald meticulously unravels the complex and often shadowy world of offshore finance, revealing how the City of London has transformed into a global hub for financial secrecy. As the British Empire waned, a new kind of empire emerged—one built on the exploitation of offshore jurisdictions that allow wealth to be obscured from taxation and regulation. This film delves into the intricate web of financial structures that have been crafted to hide vast amounts of wealth, showcasing how these practices impact economies around the world and contribute to growing inequality.

What makes The Spider's Web particularly compelling is its exploration of the moral implications behind these financial maneuvers. Through a combination of expert interviews, historical context, and striking visuals, the documentary highlights the key players in this game—banks, corporations, and even governments—while exposing the seemingly innocuous islands that have become synonymous with financial secrecy. It invites viewers to consider the broader ramifications of such practices on democracy, governance, and global wealth distribution. For anyone interested in finance, politics, or social justice, this documentary serves as a critical lens through which to examine how Britain's legacy continues to shape the world today.