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.

Author: Rebecca Strating

Publisher: ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

Publication Date: Nov 30, 2018

Number of Pages: 402 pages

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

ISBN-10: 9814818402

ISBN-13: 9789814818407