The University of West Georgia’s Waring Distinguished Lecture Series will feature acclaimed anthropologist and MacArthur Fellow Dr. Jason De León on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m. In his lecture, “Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling,” based on his book of the same name, De León will dive into the complex realities of human trafficking and the lives of those involved.
De León’s book, “Soldiers and Kings,” which provides an in-depth look at the world of human smuggling, has recently been named a finalist for the National Book Award. The winner will be announced on Nov. 20.
Dr. Elizabeth Falconi, UWG lecturer of anthropology, noted the importance of De León’s work.
“His research is truly holistic, encompassing elements of the four main subfields of anthropology,” she emphasized.
De León has spent decades tracing the paths of migrants from South and Central America across the U.S.-Mexico border, revealing how U.S. government policies funnel migrants through perilous desert regions.
“All of his work has shown the role of U.S. government policies in funneling migrants through stretches of desert where they are most likely to die, a policy called Prevention through Deterrence,” Falconi explained.
To raise awareness of these issues, he founded the Undocumented Migration Project, which has led to impactful art exhibits showcasing artifacts left behind by migrants, such as backpacks and personal mementos.
In “Soldiers and Kings,” De León offers an in-depth look at the daily lives of smugglers—often portrayed as villains in popular narratives.
“The real lives and work of smugglers are only ever reported on from a distance, often depicted as boogie men and violent warlords,” Falconi noted.
De León immersed himself in the world of smugglers for seven years, offering an insightful and complex view of this illegal, billion-dollar industry. The lecture promises to humanize those often dehumanized in discussions about migration.
“De León has worked to humanize a group of people who are routinely dehumanized as villains who exploit impoverished people desperate for a better life,” Falconi explained.
In addition to the lecture, the first 40 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of De León’s book, “Soldiers and Kings,” generously donated by local bookstore Underground Books. The donations are made possible through the Underground Books Literary Arts Foundation (UBLAF), which was established in 2024 to provide free or low-cost literary programs.
Megan Bell ’13, co-owner of Underground Books and a UWG alumna, shared the importance of the foundation.
“The foundation’s mission is to provide free or low-cost literary programs that inspire creative thinking, the exploration of diverse perspectives, and the imagining of vibrant futures,” Bell explained, continuing further to reflect on the role literature plays in shaping communities. “We believe in the power of literacy, literature and a love of reading to change lives, increase empathy and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference in their community.”
Falconi hopes the event will engage all segments of the university community.
“Migration and human trafficking are highly politicized issues that generate fear and anxiety about social and cultural change,” she concluded. “It is extremely rare to hear from someone who has spent the majority of their career living and working with migrants and smugglers.”
A Q&A session will follow the lecture, allowing attendees to engage with De León about his work and experiences. Additionally, Underground Books will be on-site to sell books for De León to sign.
For more information about the event, please visit the Waring Center’s website.
