Mohammad Imon Kazi
(He/Him)
As seen in:
The Opinion Pages,
The Diplomat Magazine,
Tribune Content Agency,
Modern Diplomacy,
The Lowy Institute
Covers:
South Asian politics, democracy, human rights, migration, media freedom, diaspora issues, labor rights, authoritarianism, digital surveillance, and regional geopolitics.
I write on South Asian politics, global affairs, and democratic transitions. Learn more: iammik.com
Interview
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
Social media has made news faster and more accessible—but also more chaotic. While it empowers citizen voices and real-time reporting, it also blurs the line between verified facts and viral misinformation. The challenge now is balancing speed with accuracy, and influence with accountability.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent. Beneath the superhero persona, he reminds us that journalism is its own kind of heroism—seeking truth, standing up for the voiceless, and holding power accountable, even without a cape.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to be a witness, a truth-seeker, and a bridge between the public and power. It means asking hard questions, amplifying unheard voices, and holding the powerful accountable. It’s not just about reporting events—it's about giving them context, humanity, and purpose. In a time of noise and misinformation, being a journalist means choosing integrity over influence, and truth over comfort.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#AlternativeFacts—both hilarious and terrifying. It became a global reminder of how surreal the news cycle can get, and how humor often becomes a coping mechanism for chaos.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is best. I appreciate concise pitches that clearly outline the angle, why it matters, and how it connects to my areas of focus—especially politics, human rights, or South Asia-related issues.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I rely on Google Docs for writing and collaboration, Grammarly for editing, and Google Scholar and JSTOR for research. For interviews and transcripts, I use Otter.ai, and for staying updated, Feedly and Twitter. I also use Notion to organize notes, story ideas, and ongoing projects.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d be honored to be followed by journalists and editors who value truth over trends, especially those reporting on democracy, human rights, and South Asia—people like Maria Ressa, Christiane Amanpour, or writers from The New York Times, The Diplomat, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I did. I wrote opinion pieces and helped cover school events. It was my first taste of using words to inform, question, and connect—a spark that eventually led me to pursue journalism seriously.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m most proud of writing about the struggles of South Asian migrant workers whose voices are often unheard. Telling their stories with dignity, especially in the face of exploitation and silence, has been both a responsibility and an honor. Giving space to their lived experiences—beyond statistics and headlines—reminded me why journalism matters.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay curious, stay grounded, and never lose sight of the people behind the story. Learn to listen more than you speak. Fact-check everything, write with empathy, and don’t chase clicks—chase truth. Journalism is a long game built on trust, so protect your integrity. The world needs your voice—use it wisely and bravely.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading a book, walking through a quiet neighborhood, or having long conversations over tea. I find inspiration in stillness, people-watching, and observing life away from the screen.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I regularly read The New York Times for its in-depth international reporting, The Guardian for its investigative work and human rights focus, Al Jazeera for perspectives from the Global South, and The Diplomat for nuanced coverage of Asia-Pacific politics. Each offers essential insight into the world’s most pressing stories.
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