Garry M. Leech

Garry M. Leech is a journalist, author, and academic who has extensively covered Latin American politics and conflicts, particularly focusing on Colombia's civil war and the war on drugs. His work spans investigative journalism, political analysis, and critiques of capitalism and US foreign policy. Throughout his career, Leech has written several books examining the intersections of economics, politics, and social justice. His notable works include "Beyond Bogotá: Diary of a Drug War Journalist in Colombia" and "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide," which analyze the impacts of free-market economics and military interventions in developing nations. As a professor at Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Leech teaches International Politics and has contributed to various academic journals and publications. His reporting has appeared in outlets including The Miami Herald, The Guardian, Colombian Journal, and The National Post. Leech's field experience includes extensive time spent in conflict zones, particularly in Colombia where he documented human rights issues and the effects of US military aid. His work frequently examines the relationship between global capitalism, poverty, and political violence.

Readers praise Leech's firsthand accounts and detailed research in his coverage of Colombian conflicts and critiques of capitalism. Several readers on Amazon note his "eye-opening perspectives" on US foreign policy and drug war impacts. What readers liked: - Personal experiences in conflict zones add credibility - Clear explanations of complex political situations - Documentation of human rights issues - Connections between economic systems and social impacts What readers disliked: - Some find his anti-capitalist stance too ideological - Academic writing style can be dense - Limited coverage of opposing viewpoints - Focus primarily on negative aspects of US involvement Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Beyond Bogotá" - 3.8/5 (42 ratings) - "Capitalism: A Structural Genocide" - 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.1/5 across books - Several readers note the books work better for academic audiences than general readers Note: Limited review data available online compared to more mainstream authors.

Killing Peace: Colombia's Conflict and the Failure of U.S. Intervention (2002) An analysis of the Colombian civil conflict and U.S. military intervention policies, examining their impact on peace prospects and human rights.

Beyond Bogotá: Diary of a Drug War Journalist in Colombia (2009) A first-hand account of reporting from Colombia's conflict zones, documenting the effects of the drug war and military operations on local communities.

Capitalism: A Structural Genocide (2012) An examination of how global capitalist systems contribute to poverty and structural violence in developing nations.

The FARC: The Longest Insurgency (2011) A detailed history of Colombia's FARC guerrilla movement, exploring its origins, evolution, and impact on Colombian society.

How I Became an American Socialist (2016) A personal narrative tracing the author's ideological journey and critique of capitalist systems based on his experiences as a journalist.

Crude Interventions: The United States, Oil and the New World (Dis)Order (2006) An investigation into the relationship between U.S. foreign policy, oil interests, and global conflicts.

The Oil Curse: A Story of Liberation, Power and Greed (2018) An analysis of how oil resources influence political power structures and social development in various nations.

Noam Chomsky writes extensively about US foreign policy, media manipulation, and the effects of capitalism on developing nations. His analytical approach to examining power structures and imperialism parallels Leech's work on Colombia and Latin America.

Greg Grandin focuses on Latin American history and US intervention in the region through detailed historical analysis. His examination of empire and economics in Latin America provides context similar to Leech's investigations of Colombian politics and drug policy.

William Robinson studies global capitalism and its impacts on Latin America through a political economy lens. His research on transnational economics and social movements aligns with Leech's critique of capitalist structures and their effects on developing nations.

Dawn Paley investigates drug war politics and military intervention in Latin America through on-the-ground reporting. Her work documenting the connections between militarization and economic interests mirrors Leech's approach to covering Colombia's conflict.

Jeremy Scahill reports on war, surveillance, and corporate power through investigative journalism in conflict zones. His focus on military contractors and foreign policy connects with Leech's analysis of US intervention and corporate interests in Latin America.