Misha Glenny
Misha Glenny is an acclaimed British journalist, author, and broadcaster whose works bring history and politics to life. He is widely recognized for his critical insights into the inner workings of some of the most tumultuous and controversial eras in modern history, such as the break-up of Yugoslavia, the fall of the Soviet Union, and the global organized crime networks of the 1990s. Born in England in 1958, Glenny was educated at Oxford University. After a brief stint in television news as a producer, he ventured out as a print journalist, eventually finding a home as a contributor to The Guardian and The Sunday Times.
Glenny specializes in reporting from the heart of some of the world's most critical stories. His book, The Fall of Yugoslavia: The Third Balkan War (1992) chronicles the findings of his sources and details the complex network of growing nationalist sentiments, government power struggles, and escalating military conflict that laid the framework for the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991. In the book, he provides invaluable research and accounts of the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and offers revealing insights into the events that ultimately led to the violence and destruction of entire communities.
Glenny is especially renowned for his work with global criminal networks. His 2002 book, McMafia: A Journey Through the Global Criminal Underworld, is considered a definitive tome on the subject. In it, he weaves together a vivid story full of colorful characters and their activities, including a look at Russia's infamous “Oligarchs” and their dealings with the powerful international syndicates that flow in and out of Moscow. He further reveals the extent of the powerful drug cartels that transport and sell narcotics from East to West, often creating destabilizing economic and political problems for communities.
Glenny's 2005 book, Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic, is also worthy of note. In it, he provides an analysis of the rise of America's new “imperial policy” in the Middle East, and how its strategies have been applied in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The book is a historical exploration of the emergence of US globalism, interspersed with anecdotes of Glenny’s experience in the region.
In addition to writing numerous books, Glenny has also been a frequent guest and analyst on BBC's Newsnight, BBC Radio 4, and other television programs. Now residing in Belgrade, Glenny continues to witness and write about the tremendous social and political changes taking place in Central and Eastern Europe. He is currently working on a trilogy of books about the Yugoslav wars.
Misha Glenny is a master of his craft, having spent years steadily exercising his habit of travelling to conflict-torn locations to explore the depths of his stories. His highly readable, comprehensive works on the most critical moments in recent history make him an asset to any reader interested in world politics. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive history of the fall of Yugoslavia or a firsthand glimpse into the world of global criminal syndicates, Glenny’s works should not be overlooked.
