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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

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.

November 15, 2018

Thailand’s Politics Heat Up Ahead of Elusive Election

By Luke Hunt

With the new round of hype over potential polls in Thailand has come a focus on parties, players, and who the future prime minister could be.

October 30, 2018

Australia-Indonesia Ties: The Problem of Unnecessary Irritants

By Luke Hunt

The recent controversy about a potential Israel embassy move is exactly the kind of thing the relationship does not need.

October 27, 2018

Facebook’s Myanmar Troubles

By Luke Hunt

Scrutiny of the company’s alleged role in genocide in Myanmar has raised broader questions about social media in Southeast Asia.

October 18, 2018

Will a New Malaysia Kill the Old Death Penalty?

By Luke Hunt

The new government seems to be entertaining the idea.

October 06, 2018

Why Canada’s Revoking of Aung San Suu Kyi’s Honorary Citizenship Matters

By Luke Hunt

The move is just the latest that illustrate her remarkable fall from grace.