The Diplomat | Author
David Hutt
David Hutt has been Southeast Asia columnist at The Diplomat since 2016, writing weekly about Southeast Asian politics.
David Hutt has been Southeast Asia columnist at The Diplomat since 2016, writing weekly about Southeast Asian politics. He was formerly based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He also writes for Foreign Policy, Asia Times, Nikkei Asian Review, South China Morning Post, and other international publications. He was previously a reporter at Southeast Asia Globe magazine and the editor of Focus Asean magazine. He was president of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia between 2018 and 2019, and is a visiting fellow at Future Forum, a Phnom Penh-based think tank. He can be followed on Twitter @davidhuttjourno
October 23, 2020
The Beginning of the End of Kem Sokha’s Ordeal in Cambodia?
By David Hutt
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Hun Sen has softened his stance toward his main political rival. As usual, there is more than meets the eye.
October 15, 2020
No Taxation Without Climate Action
By David Hutt
As they grapple with COVID-19, Southeast Asian nations should not lose sight of the challenges posed by climate change.
October 09, 2020
Can Cambodia’s Looming Microfinance Disaster be Averted?
By David Hutt
A solution to Cambodia's spiraling debt crisis is urgently required, but risks uncovering deeper economic problems.
October 02, 2020
Timor-Leste’s Costly Oil and Gas Ambitions Grind to a Halt
By David Hutt
Despite rumors of potential Chinese involvement, the $18 billion Tasi Mane oil and gas processing project is unlikely to eventuate.
September 30, 2020
As Thailand’s Protests Gather Momentum, What is the Endgame?
By David Hutt
For those wanting a democratic Thailand, is it more important to keep the military in its barracks or the king in his palaces?
September 17, 2020
Parsing Washington’s Latest Cambodia Sanctions
By David Hutt
Treasury's listing of the Chinese-owned Union Development Group has reignited rumors that Beijing is eyeing a military presence on Cambodia's coast.
September 14, 2020
Three-Horse Race for Vietnam’s Next Communist Party Chief
By David Hutt
As the Communist Party of Vietnam moves toward its next National Congress, the list of candidates for key posts is narrowing.
September 04, 2020
Cambodia Succession Plan Hinges on Party Princelings
By David Hutt
A handover of power from long-serving Hun Sen to his eldest son will require a broader generational transition with the ruling CPP.
September 01, 2020
Is Facebook Finally Standing up for Free Speech in Southeast Asia?
By David Hutt
Facebook is pushing back against the Thai government's censorship requests. Is this a new normal -- or an exception to the government-friendly rule?
July 03, 2020
Do EU Sanctions on Cambodia Still Matter?
By David Hutt
The sanctions are too little, too late to have the desired impact -- especially amid a pandemic.
June 25, 2020
Suspending Lèse Majesté Could Actually Strengthen Thailand’s Monarchy
By David Hutt
Free speech could even get worse because of the suspension of lèse majesté.
June 10, 2020
Southeast Asia’s Desaparecidos
By David Hutt
Enforced disappearances -- a tragedy all too familiar in Latin America -- are increasingly becoming a feature of Southeast Asian politics, too.
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