Who is The Phantom Menace? What is The Phantom Menace?

Money. Money is the phantom menace.

It’s that feeling when you sit on your hand and then you use it for purposes beyond explanation. Phantom limb syndrome I think it’s called.

Clearly Jar Jar Binks

Senator Palpatine the Sith Lord is the Phantom Menace.

Dennis's ghost?

I hate this movie- but I think the title makes sense.

It's about a "menace" or a "threat" that is "phantom" or "not real". It's a reference to the siege of Naboo- a false attack that's true purpose is to militarize the Republic.

Not quite the same as, but compare to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_flag
Also- can't find a link, but that story of the King who let's the lion rampage in the village for a little while before having his soldiers weaken it, so that he can stride out and finish the beast.

In other words- the politically powerful orchestrating events to lead the people to giving them more power. Or how Republics become Empires- something Lucas was very concerned with.

Its Qui Gon and Obi Wan together after they meet Anakin and bring him along

Senator/Emporer Palpatine