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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

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.

January 26, 2019

Cambodia-EU Threat War Erupts Amid Trade Sanctions

By Luke Hunt

The issue has heated up the country’s already contested and polarized politics.

January 10, 2019

Why Duterte’s Controversies Are No Laughing Matter

By Luke Hunt

Duterte's 'jokes' reveal a lack of respect for institutions, the rule of law, and the Philippine people.

January 05, 2019

The Truth About War and Peace in Cambodia

By Luke Hunt

Some readings of the country’s history can be deceiving.

January 03, 2019

Inside Thailand’s Miracle Cave Rescue

By Luke Hunt

A conversation with one of the key witnesses to an incident that sparked global attention last year.

December 14, 2018

Duterte’s War on Drugs Can’t Escape International Law

By Luke Hunt

The ICC says it will continue to study the complaints filed against Duterte in spite of his dismissal of the institution.

November 30, 2018

Suu Kyi's Electoral Blow in Myanmar Must Spark Real Change

By Luke Hunt

With the NLD's recent by-election defeat, the people have spoken. Now Suu Kyi and her party must listen and adjust.

November 21, 2018

Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge Era in the Spotlight with Guilty Verdicts

By Luke Hunt

Despite two sentencings, questions on the quest for justice remain.