Tatmadaw, Why Negotiate?

Published on Mar 20, 2023 by Luke Hunt

This story was originally written by Luke Hunt for The Diplomat. It focuses on why ASEAN or anyone else should consider negotiations with the military junta, also known as Tatmadaw, in Myanmar.Ever since Myanmar’s military seized power and ousted an elected government, international efforts to negotiate a clear way out have focused on dealing with a military that month by month becomes more belligerent, more violent, and less capable.The assumption was that “the military now controls Myanmar and has all the guns” and that talks – however unpalatable – must proceed. To a large extent, the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) was simply relegated and has struggled to get a hearing on the diplomatic front.But a briefing paper by the....

Dos and Don'ts

Published on Mar 12, 2023 by Luke Hunt

The  closure of the independent news outlet Voice of Democracy served as a warning for those who fail to toe the government line. The Cambodian government issues its recommendations regarding what it expects from journalists. Click here and read more from The Diplomat. .

ASEAN Summit Ends

Published on Aug 17, 2022 by Luke Hunt

PHNOM PENH — Foreign ministers from the Association of South East Asian Nations wrapped up their 2022 annual meetings in Phnom Penh with a plea for peace in the South China Sea, warnings for the junta in Myanmar and plans to bolster COVID-19-crushed economies.Foreign ministers and delegates from about 40 countries gathered here for their annual talks with nine of 10 foreign ministers from ASEAN.Read more..

BRI Glory Days are Over

Published on Oct 30, 2021 by Luke Hunt

Cash-strapped Southeast Asian countries should look beyond China and its Belt and Road Initiative for economic help as Beijing is seen focusing more domestically, analysts say.Regional governments have looked at the BRI to bolster their economies in coming years, but analysts have told VOA that Chinese generosity and foreign investment have limits and that Beijing is more concerned with shoring up its own economy than with new initiatives to promote post-pandemic growth elsewhere.Read and listen to more from Luke Hunt at VoA..

Russia's Response to AUKUS

Published on Oct 30, 2021 by Luke Hunt

Russia is attempting to expand its influence in Southeast Asia through meetings and plans with Association of Southeast Asian Nations members, say analysts, but appears not to have the military or financial power to become a larger player in the region.The effort includes Russian adoption of a five-year roadmap focused on trade and investment cooperation, the digital economy and sustainable development with the 10 ASEAN members. Meanwhile, at the Sixth Eastern Economic Forum held last month in Vladivostok, Vietnam offered itself as a bridge to connect ASEAN to Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union – an economic grouping including Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — with analysts forecasting Moscow would seek to shore up regional political ties in response to....