The Red Line 128 - Timor Leste's Fading Sunrise
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Jan 30, 2025 Michael Leach, a politics professor at Swinburne University, and Parker Novak, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, dive into the complexities of Timor-Leste. They discuss the nation’s struggle to diversify its economy amid declining oil reserves and the geopolitical pressures from powers like China. With aspirations for ASEAN membership, they explore the challenges of political stagnation and economic dependence. The intricate negotiations over the Greater Sunrise gas field illustrate Timor-Leste’s pursuit of sustainable growth while navigating international relations.
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Farmer and Donkey
- Michael Hilliard tells the story of a farmer whose donkey runs away.
- The donkey returns with other donkeys, highlighting unpredictable events.
Colonial Legacy
- Timor-Leste's distinct ethnic identity is not the sole reason for its independence.
- Competitive colonialism between the Dutch and Portuguese shaped its unique trajectory.
Timor-Leste's Successful Resistance
- Timor-Leste's independence movement succeeded due to unified resistance and international support.
- Their effective diplomacy played a crucial role unlike other Indonesian regions.