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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 22, 2016

Will Malaysia’s Najib Finally Quit?

By Luke Hunt

Speculation is mounting that the embattled premier may seek a face-saving exit.

January 15, 2016

Indonesian Strikes Confirm Spread of ISIS

By Luke Hunt

Fears of the terror group spreading its tentacles further into Southeast Asia are proving to be tragically real.

January 09, 2016

Shades of Southeast Asia Among Hong Kong's Missing Book Sellers

By Luke Hunt

There are some uneasy parallels if one connects the dots.

January 08, 2016

Taking off: The Cambodian Space Project

By Luke Hunt

The Diplomat's Luke Hunt speaks with the stars of the rock band Cambodian Space Project.

January 04, 2016

What Is the Value of the Mekong River?

By Luke Hunt

New estimates have been released on the value of fisheries along one of the world's largest rivers.

December 25, 2015

Brunei's Christmas Treat: Santa Banned for a Second Year

By Luke Hunt

The tiny, oil-rich nation continues its assault on Christmas.

December 11, 2015

Will Thailand's Military Be Held Accountable for the Country's Economic Woes?

By Luke Hunt

As the country's economic woes continue, the junta deserves its share of blame.

December 07, 2015

Cambodia: A Generation Gap Divides a Struggling Nation

By Luke Hunt

Recent surveys offer some interesting insights into Cambodian life and politics.

December 05, 2015

Islamic State on Trial in Indonesia

By Luke Hunt

The Southeast Asian state is intensifying efforts against the threat.

November 25, 2015

Has a Philippine Militant Group Gone Regional Amid Islamic State Fears?

By Luke Hunt

The Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf may be spreading its unwanted tentacles.

November 17, 2015

Cambodia’s Opposition Leader Delays Return Home Amid Arrest Fears

By Luke Hunt

Sam Rainsy cancels his return trip to Phnom Penh where he risks being jailed in an ongoing crackdown on dissent.

November 12, 2015

Why ASEAN Should Celebrate Myanmar's Election

By Luke Hunt

Victory by Aung San Suu Kyi should provide a much needed tonic for free speech advocates across the region.