Read The Diplomat, Know The Asia-Pacific

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

May 03, 2019

What Lies Ahead for Indonesia in a Jokowi Second Term?

By Luke Hunt

A conversation with veteran New Zealand journalist John McBeth about Southeast Asia’s past and Indonesia’s likely future.

April 25, 2019

Economic Focus Ahead for Indonesia in Jokowi’s Coming Second Term

By Luke Hunt

Based on Jokowi’s first term and how the country’s election played out, the economy is likely to continue to be a key priority.

April 19, 2019

The Future of a ‘New Malaysia’

By Luke Hunt

A conversation with renowed Malaysian journalist Leslie Lopez.

April 18, 2019

Why Brunei’s New Religious Hardening Matters

By Luke Hunt

The new Islamic laws are only the latest symptom of broader issues in the tiny, oil-rich sultanate.

April 05, 2019

Thailand’s New King Looms Large Amid Post-Election Uncertainty

By Luke Hunt

While the country’s political future still remains unclear, the monarch will continue to exert influence in how it is shaped.

March 23, 2019

Remembering the Ancient Empire Legacy of Southeast Asia

By Luke Hunt

Luke Hunt speaks with author Philip Bowring about the ancient empires of Southeast Asia and how maritime trade helped shape a region long before the colonial era.

March 20, 2019

Rising Challenges Ahead for Malaysia’s New Government

By Luke Hunt

Though it is still early days, a series of issues are threatening to overwhelm and undermine the new government’s future.

March 12, 2019

Najib Scandal Links in Focus with Ex-Sabah Chief Minister Charges

By Luke Hunt

The charges against Musa Aman announced last week are just part of the ongoing scrutiny around Najib and his allies in a New Malaysia.

February 28, 2019

Latest Violence in Myanmar Confirms Worst Suspicions

By Luke Hunt

Continued conflict suggests a long road ahead for vulnerable populations in the country.

February 16, 2019

How Anand Panyarachun Shaped Modern Thailand

By Luke Hunt

A new biography details the life of a former Thai prime minister.

February 01, 2019

Remembering Heng Samrin and Cambodia’s Rebirth

By Luke Hunt

Luke Hunt speaks with veteran journalist Peter Starr about the career of one of the twentieth century’s greatest guerrilla commanders.

January 31, 2019

Jokowi’s Failed Bashir Gamble Reveals the Danger of Playing the Religion Card in Indonesia

By Luke Hunt

While it is no surprise that political calculations are being made ahead of upcoming polls, the incident shows how gambles can backfire.