The Politics of Timor-Leste: Democratic Consolidation after Intervention

by Michael Leach (Editor), Damien Kingsbury (Editor)

Overview

The Politics of Timor-Leste explores the critical issues facing the Asia-Pacific's youngest nation as it seeks to consolidate a democracy following years of international intervention. The authors study the challenges that have burdened the state since it broke from Indonesia amid the violence of 1999 and formally achieved full independence in 2002. They assess the notable accomplishments of Timor-Leste's leaders and citizens, and consider the country's future prospects as international organizations prepare to depart. A close study of Timor-Leste sheds light on ambitious state-building projects that have been initiated, with varying success, across the globe.

Contributors to this volume map the nation's recent political evolution through studies of its constitutional debates, political parties, and foreign policy responses to powerful neighbors. They address the social and economic conditions that complicate Timor-Leste's political development, such as gender discrimination, poverty, corruption, and security-sector volatility. The contemporary history of Timor-Leste reflects the experiences of many postcolonial and developing countries that have sought to establish a viable state following conflict and a declaration of independence. This small nation has been the subject of five consecutive UN missions with varying mandates. The Politics of Timor-Leste ought to serve as a key source for comparative postcolonial studies and a guide to future trends in international state-building and assistance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780877277590
Publisher:	Cornell University Press
Publication date:	01/15/2013
Series:	Studies on Southeast Asia , #59
Pages:	292
Sales rank:	707,094
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Damien Kingsbury is a professor and Director of the Centre for Citizenship, Development, and Human Rights at Deakin University. He was coordinator of Australian NGO observer missions to Timor-Leste's ballot for independence, and its 2007 and 2012 elections, and is a regular visitor to Timor-Leste. He is author of East Timor: The Price of Liberty, and editor or co-editor of two other books on Timor-Leste's politics.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction: East Timorese Politics in Transition Michael Leach Damien Kingsbury 1

Adat and the Nation-State: Opposition and Synthesis in Two Political Cultures David Hicks 25

Semi-Presidentialism and the Consolidation of Democracy Rui Graça Feijó 45

The Constitution: Clarity without Convention Damien Kingsbury 69

Combating Corruption: Avoiding "Institutional Ritualism" Adérito de Jesus Soares 85

The Justice Sector: Achievements, Challenges, and Comparisons Andrew Marriott 99

Political Parties Dennis Shoesmith 121

The Need for a Reshaped Foreign Policy Pedro Seabra 145

Democracy Old and New: The Interaction of Modern and Traditional Authority in Local Government Deborah Cummins Michael Leach 163

The Politics of Security-Sector Reform Bu V. E. Wilson 179

Informal Security Groups and Social Movements James Scambary 197

Development Strategy Tim Anderson 215

Between Earth and Heaven: The Politics of Gender Sara Niner 239

Decentralization Damien Kingsbury 259

Contributors 275

What People are Saying About This

John G. Taylor

The Politics of Timor-Leste is an essential reference point for anyone concerned with the most important political issues to be addressed by the country in the coming years. Its authors provide a comprehensive overview of political parties, and the electoral and judicial systems, and describe the main aspects of development strategies implemented since independence. Insightful analyses are presented of key areas, such as the politics of gender, informal security groups and social movements, and strategies for decentralization. Bringing these topics together in one volume provides a highly useful guide for assessing the possibilities for the continuation and development of democratic processes within Timor-Leste.

Editorial Reviews

"The Politics of Timor-Leste is an essential reference point for anyone concerned with the most important political issues to be addressed by the country in the coming years. Its authors provide a comprehensive overview of political parties, and the electoral and judicial systems, and describe the main aspects of development strategies implemented since independence. Insightful analyses are presented of key areas, such as the politics of gender, informal security groups and social movements, and strategies for decentralization. Bringing these topics together in one volume provides a highly useful guide for assessing the possibilities for the continuation and development of democratic processes within Timor-Leste."--John G. Taylor, Professor of Politics, London South Bank University, author of East Timor: The Price of Freedom

From the Publisher