East Timor, (renamed Timor-Leste after independence in 2002) a small tropical country northwest of Australia, is one of the newest members of the United Nations. There are several reasons for East Timor having been in focus in international affairs. Firstly, it was its occupation by Indonesia and its brutal rule since 1975 and the country’s achievement of independence in 2002. Secondly, East Timor illustrates a case of realpolitik by the superpowers in international relations, as was evident from their support to Indonesia, or their complete indifference to the issue.
The History of Peace-building in East Timor: The Issues of International Intervention comprehensively analyses various international responses during its pre- and post-independence eras and examines the process of peace-building after the referendum in the country. The book assesses the legitimacy of each response and policy, how these influenced East Timor as a newly independent state, and what the international society expects in the future from the country that was in turmoil for so long. The book consists of three sections detailing the history of the crisis, policy analysis and comparative analysis with peace-building initiatives by the UN in Cambodia. The book updates the study on East Timor by also discussing the state-building process such as the UNDP organised Recovery, Employment and Stability Programme for Ex-Combatants and communities, the Serious Crimes Unit and the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor. The book would be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics specialising in East Timor and other countries in the process of peace-building.
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