''We have resisted, now we must build'': Regionalism and nation-building in Timor-Leste. (26th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shiosaki, Elfie
• Is Part Of: Journal of Southeast Asian studies. Volume 48:Number 1(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2017-01-26
• Subjects: Asia, Southeastern -- History -- Periodicals; Asia, Southeastern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 950
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022463416000473
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-4634

Abstract

Abstract : During Timor-Leste's political and security crisis in 2006, a seemingly latent regional division re-emerged between Timorese from its eastern region, lorosa'e, and those from its western region, loromonu . The conflict between lorosa'e and loromonu revealed critical weaknesses in nation-building. Only four years after independence in 2002, international peacekeeping forces, led by Australia, were redeployed to the new nation-state. This article argues that the enduring political significance of regionalism weakens nation-building in Timor-Leste. This case study revitalises traditional security paradigms by relocating identity-building from the periphery of nation-building to its centre. Identity-building supports the formation of a unifying national political community which transcends social divisions within post-conflict societies.