Michael Leach

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.