Timor-Leste stands at a crossroads, grappling with the legacies of Indonesian occupation, economic dependence on dwindling oil reserves, and the encroaching geopolitical pressures shaping its future. Once heralded as a success story of post-colonial independence, the country now faces mounting economic challenges, political stagnation, and an uncertain path toward ASEAN integration. Can Timor-Leste successfully diversify its economy before its oil wealth runs dry? Will its growing ties with China raise alarm bells in Canberra and Jakarta? And how do its historical struggles inform its current trajectory? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- Michael Leach (Swinburne University)

- Parker Novak (Atlantic Council)

- Josh Kurlantzick (The Council on Foreign Relations)

Intro - 00:00

PART I - 04:24

PART II - 27:03

PART III - 56:12

Outro - 1:08:38

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East Timor, a newly independent country

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