Pope Francis wrapped up the largest, farthest trip of his pontificate last week, which encapsulated his position as a simultaneous spiritual and political figure.

Type: Analysis

Religion

Timor-Leste penetra mundu nia konsiénsia ladun barak ona hanesan uluk molok tama iha sékulu ne’e bainhira nasaun Sudeste Aziatiku ne’e mosu beibeik iha narativu sira kona-ba manutensaun dame, konstrusaun estadu, no aproximasaun sira ba dame no konflitu, ne’ebé halo nasaun ne’e nia lider politiku hanesan Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, ne’ebé nakfilak an husi lider rebelde ida no sai Estadista, hetan rekoñesimentu globál. No hakmatek ida ne’e merese fó elojia ka hanesan meritu ba Timor-Leste. Nasaun ne’e hakmatek no politikamente estavel. Kondusaun ba motor no kareta halai rungu-ranga ne’e mak problema bo’ot liu iha kapitál, Dili, duke ema bulak ho kilat.

Type: Blog

Economics

Timor-Leste penetrates the world’s consciousness much less frequently than it did at the turn of the century when the Southeast Asian nation featured prominently in narratives about peacekeeping, state building, and approaches to peace and conflict, as its political leaders such as rebel leader turned statesman Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão gained global renown. And that relative silence is to Timor-Leste’s credit. The country is quiet and politically stable. Crazed driving is a bigger problem in the capital, Dili, than crazed men with guns.

Type: Blog

Economics

Timor-Leste and Bougainville are two small, tropical island communities — one in Southeast Asia, the other in the South Pacific. While their culture and histories are distinct, they share a common political bond. They both voted overwhelmingly for independence in internationally sanctioned referendums, with Timor-Leste’s vote coming in 1999 and Bougainville’s in 2019. But only Timor-Leste, which is also referred to as East Timor, is now its own nation. What parallels does the path to self-determination in Timor-Leste hold for Bougainville as it looks to achieve the same goal?

Type: Analysis

Peace Processes