Marc Sommers
Academic, writer, and former consultant/diplomat who researched youth, pop culture, and terror in Sierra Leone and is author of We the Young Fighters (University of Georgia Press, 2023).
Best podcasts with Marc Sommers
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Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
Marc Sommers, "We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror, and War in Sierra Leone" (U Georgia Press, 2023)
Marc Sommers, an academic and former consultant, dives deep into the cultural influences during the Sierra Leone conflict. He reveals how icons like Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and Rambo inspired youth caught in cycles of war and terror. Sommers discusses the exploitation of young people through child soldiers and the role of drugs in warfare. He connects global patterns of alienation to local identities, exploring the lasting impact of pop culture on society. The talk underscores the urgent need for better governance to address these challenges.
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
Marc Sommers, "We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror, and War in Sierra Leone" (U Georgia Press, 2023)
Marc Sommers, an expert on youth and violence, dives into the impact of pop culture in shaping the identities of young fighters during Sierra Leone's civil war. He reveals how icons like Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, and John Rambo resonated with alienated youth, influencing their actions and aspirations. Sommers discusses the challenges of his research, the corrupt 'fake state' of Sierra Leone, and how wartime recruitment used drugs and music. His insights provide a framework for understanding the intersection of culture, conflict, and postwar hope.
