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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 12, 2014

Indonesia Boycotts Singapore Airshow

By Luke Hunt

The controversial naming of an Indonesian naval ship has sparked a row between the neighboring countries.

February 07, 2014

Pardon, Was That a Chemical Weapons Factory in Myanmar?

By Luke Hunt

If the Myanmar government truly has nothing to hide, it should welcome a UN inquiry.

February 04, 2014

Unloved ASEAN Leaders put on Notice Ahead of AEC

By Luke Hunt

The disparity between ruling elites and average citizens complicate “ASEAN’s EU.”

February 04, 2014

Old Malaysian Issues Are New, Again

By Luke Hunt

Controversy over the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims has religious – and political – underpinnings.

January 31, 2014

People Smuggler Jailed After 90 Lives Lost

By Luke Hunt

Despite tougher laws, desperation drives many asylum-seekers to embark on the dangerous voyage to Australia.

January 29, 2014

Brunei Told New Penal Code Violates Human Rights

By Luke Hunt

Under Sharia law, Bruneians could be stoned to death or have limbs amputated for committing crimes.

January 24, 2014

Sultanate Warns Fresh Conflict in Sabah Possible

By Luke Hunt

Last year’s violence may be repeated if Esmail Kiram II sends troops across the border.

January 21, 2014

Vietnam Worse Than Syria in Jailing Reporters

By Luke Hunt

With 18 journalists behind bars, Vietnam ranks fifth in the world for imprisoning members of the press.

January 17, 2014

Philippine Navy Adds to Regional Arms Build-Up

By Luke Hunt

ASEAN navies expand in response to China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

January 14, 2014

South Korea in a Pickle over Cambodian Crackdown

By Luke Hunt

Did Seoul contribute to the bloody crackdown on garment workers?

January 05, 2014

Indonesia Jumps Suspected Terrorists in New Year Shootout

By Luke Hunt

Islamic militants have become more active, after a 2011 crackdown.

January 01, 2014

English Remains ASEAN’s Best Policy

By Luke Hunt

Those ASEAN countries that have embraced the language stand to benefit in the coming years.