Sebastian Junger

Sebastian Junger is an acclaimed journalist, author, and filmmaker known for best-selling books like WAR, The Perfect Storm, and Fire, in addition to directing documentaries like Restrepo and Korengal. His expertise lies in covering dangerous occupations and the experience of infantry combat, with over a decade spent covering the war in Afghanistan. His work, including his unique anthropological insights in books like "Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging," offer invaluable perspectives on war veterans, dangerous professions, and human endurance.

Junger's first major success was his international bestseller "The Perfect Storm," which dominated the New York Times best-seller list for over three years and was adapted into a major motion picture starring George Clooney. As an author, his unique experiences and expertise have led him to cover a range of topics, from human rights abuses in Sierra Leone to war crimes in Kosovo, and his work has been published in various renowned publications.

For his contributions to literature and journalism, Junger has received numerous awards, including the PEN/Winship award for "A Death in Belmont," the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for "Restrepo," the International Press Academy's Humanitarian Award, the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, the National Board of Review Award for Best Directorial Debut for his film "War" with Tim Hetherington, and the Satellite Award for Humanitarian. He also co-owned a bar in New York City called the Half King, frequented by war correspondents and conflict photographers.

Born and raised in New England, Junger is a graduate of Wesleyan University. His career has been driven by a lifelong attraction to “extreme situations and people at the edges of things,” leading him to engage with dangerous jobs such as high-climbing for tree removal companies before focusing on journalism.