The post-colonial security dilemma: Timor-Leste and the international community

This book examines the development of Timor-Leste's foreign policy since achieving political independence in 2002. It considers the influence of Timor-Leste's historical experiences with foreign intervention on how the small, new state has pursued security. The book argues that efforts to secure the Timorese state have been motivated by a desire to reduce foreign intervention and dependence upon other actors within the international community. Timor-Leste's desire for 'real' independence -- characterized by the absence of foreign interference -- permeates all spheres of its international political, cultural and economic relations and foreign policy discourse. Securing the state entails projecting a legitimate identity in the international community to protect and guarantee political recognition of sovereign status, an imperative that gives rise to Timor-Leste's aspirational foreign policy. The book examines Timor-Leste's key bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations, its engagement with the global normative order, and its place within the changing Asia-Pacific region.

This book examines the development of Timor-Leste's foreign policy since achieving political independence in 2002. It considers the influence of Timor-Leste's historical experiences with foreign intervention on how the small, new state has pursued security. The book argues that efforts to secure the Timorese state have been motivated by a desire to reduce foreign intervention and dependence upon other actors within the international community. Timor-Leste's desire for 'real' independence -- characterized by the absence of foreign interference -- permeates all spheres of its international political, cultural and economic relations and foreign policy discourse. Securing the state entails projecting a legitimate identity in the international community to protect and guarantee political recognition of sovereign status, an imperative that gives rise to Timor-Leste's aspirational foreign policy.

Frontmatter -- Contents -- List of Tables -- 1. Introduction -- 2. The Struggle for Recognition: Territorialization, Self-determination and the Imagining of "East Timor" -- 3. The Politics of Recognition: East Timor and the International Community -- 4. Establishing Legitimacy: International State-building in East Timor -- 5. Timor-Leste's Aspirational Foreign Policy -- 6. Identity Hedging: Timor-Leste's Engagement with Intergovernmental Organizations -- 7. Timor-Leste's National Security Agenda -- 8. Securing Economic Sovereignty -- 9. International Reconciliation and Transitional Justice -- 10. Conclusion: Timor-Leste in the Changing Regional Order -- Postscript -- Bibliography -- Index -- About the Author