Since the end of the Cold War, considerable scholarly debates have been devoted to the nature and scope of international state-building interventions in ‘fragile’, post-colonial states and their effectiveness in instituting democratic rule.
By examining the construction of political institutions in East Timor, this book highlights the relationship between the social and political realms during these processes. Focusing on the roles of East Timorese leaders and civil society organisations during the independence movement, it analyses the effectiveness of democracy building in East Timor. It examines the processes of drafting the new constitution, establishing key political institutions (such as the electoral system), and articulating a new vision of citizenship and social justice. The book argues that East Timor offers a relatively successful case of democratic transition, enabled by a consistent set of goals and aspirations, grassroots political legitimacy and participation, and the development of a democratic civil nation.
Offering a coherent argument for why democracy has been successful in East Timor and the roles of political leaders and civil society during democratic transition, this book will be of interest to those studying Southeast Asian Politics, International Politics, and Democracy.
Introduction: Key Issues in East Timor’s Pursuit of Social Democracy 1. The Pursuit of Social Democracy: East Timor’s Path to Independence 2. Exercising Self-Determination: East Timor’s Ballot for Independence 3. International State-building and the Development of Civil Society in East Timor 4. Constitution-drafting and the First Elections: Establishing East Timor’s Social Democracy 5. Democratic Independence in East Timor: Political Institutions, Leaders and Elections 6. Rights and Responsibilities: Social Democratic Citizenship in East Timor 7. Transitional Justice and Social Democracy in East Timor
Biography
Rebecca Strating is a lecturer of Politics at La Trobe University Melbourne, Australia. She teaches and researches Southeast Asian Politics and International Relations.
"Overall, Dr Strating´s analysis is important material for the study of democracy in East Timor and will particularly be of use for students. It contains a different perspective - as well as a new points of view - on United Nations’ missions. Thanks to this, it could become a new standard reference work for those pursuing studies in this field." - Ivona Harčarová, MSc Asian Politics, SOAS
