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The Diplomat | Author

Luke Hunt

Luke Hunt is a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Diplomat. He has spent three decades working in the region and produces the Beyond the Mekong podcast. He can be followed on Patreon and X – formerly Twitter.

He served as bureau chief for Agence France-Presse in Cambodia and in Afghanistan under Taliban occupation – where he was commended by the United Nations for the “best and most insightful” coverage of the Afghan civil war. Hunt also covered the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Global War on Terrorism that followed, specializing in Islamic militancy.

Throughout the 2010s, Hunt focused on civil conflict and uprisings from the Middle East to East Asia and as an adjunct professor wrote the course War, Media & International Relations for Pannasastra University in Cambodia. He is the author of the “Punji Trap” and co-author of “Barings Lost” and is the recipient of several awards including the Hong Kong Human Rights Press Awards, Society of Publishers in Asia, and the World Association of Newspapers.

Follow him on X at @lukeanthonyhunt.

Posts by Luke Hunt

February 05, 2020

Foreign Power Threat Looms Over Kem Sokha Trial in Cambodia

By Luke Hunt

The hearings have again spotlighted the ruling government’s obsession with threats from foreign powers and color revolutions.

January 16, 2020

Cambodia: Largest Casino Worker Strike Victory Highlights Wider Rights Issues

By Luke Hunt

While the recent strike resulted in a pay rise commitment, it also spotlighted the wider rights issues and economic challenges for some workers.

January 10, 2020

Jakarta Floods: Yet Another Reminder of Indonesia’s Capital Woes?

By Luke Hunt

The recent incident once again highlighted the woes facing the capital city amid plans to shift it.

December 25, 2019

Can Malaysia Solve Its Big Migrant Worker Challenge?

By Luke Hunt

While the government has cited labor as being an area of priority for reform, it faces an uphill task.

December 04, 2019

US Slaps Trafficking Charges on ‘Dynamite Doug’

By Luke Hunt

The British expat is wanted for his trafficking of stolen and looted Cambodian antiquities.

November 27, 2019

Australian Woman Escapes Death Penalty in Malaysia

By Luke Hunt

The case had been read as a test case for the country under the Pakatan Harapan government.

November 21, 2019

Drug Trafficker Case Another Test for Malaysia’s Pakatan Harapan Government

By Luke Hunt

A new case will spotlight Malaysia’s approach to the death penalty at home as well as its ties with Australia and Western countries more generally.

November 13, 2019

Counting the Costs of Sam Rainsy’s Failed Return to Cambodia

By Luke Hunt

The opposition leader’s thwarted bid to return to the country is not without its costs, irrespective of whatever benefits it may generate.

November 07, 2019

Sam Rainsy Return Hype Ripples Across ASEAN

By Luke Hunt

Even though the opposition leader’s return to Cambodia itself may be unlikely, his loudly trumpeted voyage has sparked headlines across the region.

October 30, 2019

A Conversation on Hong Kong

By Luke Hunt

Luke Hunt speaks to RTHK broadcaster Annemarie Evans.

October 18, 2019

A Conversation on China’s Long Regional Shadow

By Luke Hunt

Luke Hunt speaks to Huw Watkin on China’s role in the region and what it means for politics, economics, and security.

October 16, 2019

How Close Is RCEP to Reality?

By Luke Hunt

While progress continues to be touted, challenges remain to be addressed.