Presentation Information
[1M04]Achievements and Challenges in Independence Support: Case Study on Independence Process in Timor-Leste
*Koji SAKANE1 (1. Shimane University)
Keywords:
Independence Support,Governance,Nation Building,Self-Determination,Timor-Leste,Peacebuilding,Nexus between Peacebuilding and Development
1. Background and Research Questions
Timor-Leste has received substantial assistance from the United Nations and other aid agencies since around the time of its independence in 2002 until now, but has the development progressed smoothly since its independence?
This study reviews the development process in Timor-Leste to date and analyzes the achievements and challenges of state-building support. Furthermore, based on this analysis, I will examine the appropriate role of external actors in secessionist movements occurring worldwide.
2. Data, Information, and Analytical Methods
I will objectively analyze the development situation since independence using analytical data from aid agencies such as the World Bank and IMF, as well as reports issued by the Timor-Leste government. Based on these results, I will summerize the achievements and challenges of independence support.
3. Findings
Despite over 20 years of substantial extertnal support for Timor-Leste, its socioeconomic conditions have stagnated or deteriorated since peaking around the 10th year after independence. The government remains unable to demonstrate autonomous national governance. The primary causes include the government's weak governance capacity and the fact that foreign aid has not sufficiently strengthened this capacity.
Timor-Leste achieved independence because the independence process occurred in the 1990s, immediately following the end of the Cold War. At that time, the international community as a whole experienced less confrontation between major powers, and there existed a momentum within the international community to respect human rights concepts such as the right to self-determination and humanitarianism. The current international community, however, does not share this situation. While separatist movements are now occurring in various countries and regions, reflecting on lessons of independence process in Timor-Leste suggests that the approach to supporting such movements requires careful consideration.
Timor-Leste has received substantial assistance from the United Nations and other aid agencies since around the time of its independence in 2002 until now, but has the development progressed smoothly since its independence?
This study reviews the development process in Timor-Leste to date and analyzes the achievements and challenges of state-building support. Furthermore, based on this analysis, I will examine the appropriate role of external actors in secessionist movements occurring worldwide.
2. Data, Information, and Analytical Methods
I will objectively analyze the development situation since independence using analytical data from aid agencies such as the World Bank and IMF, as well as reports issued by the Timor-Leste government. Based on these results, I will summerize the achievements and challenges of independence support.
3. Findings
Despite over 20 years of substantial extertnal support for Timor-Leste, its socioeconomic conditions have stagnated or deteriorated since peaking around the 10th year after independence. The government remains unable to demonstrate autonomous national governance. The primary causes include the government's weak governance capacity and the fact that foreign aid has not sufficiently strengthened this capacity.
Timor-Leste achieved independence because the independence process occurred in the 1990s, immediately following the end of the Cold War. At that time, the international community as a whole experienced less confrontation between major powers, and there existed a momentum within the international community to respect human rights concepts such as the right to self-determination and humanitarianism. The current international community, however, does not share this situation. While separatist movements are now occurring in various countries and regions, reflecting on lessons of independence process in Timor-Leste suggests that the approach to supporting such movements requires careful consideration.
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