Thesis.pdf (33.18 MB)
Sovereignty, self-determination, and the catalyst for change in the political status of East Timor
thesis
posted on 2022-03-07, 02:58 authored by Virginia WebbStarting with the premise that a change in the political status of East
Timor is inevitable, and imminent, this dissertation evaluates the
potential catalysts for this change. Indonesia invaded East Timor
following the initiation of a decolonisation process by the
administering power, Portugal. In the twenty - odd years since the
invasion, the decolonisation era has come to a close, which has led to
reformulation of the principle of self-determination. This principle is
crucial to an understanding of the Timor conflict and this dissertation
establishes that there is still a firm basis in international law for
application of the principle of self - determination to East Timor.
Indonesia's role in the conflict is examined, as are internal political
changes in Indonesia. It is the political dynamics of the Indonesian
state which will, it is argued, open a window of opportunity for the
establishment of an independent East Timor. The responses of members of
the international community, especially Australia and New Zealand, to
the conflict are examined and this dissertation concludes that their
realist approach to regional relations precludes them from agitating for
change in the political status of East Timor. Sources include
government documents, non-governmental organisation publications, Church
publications, personal interviews, public lectures, audio and video
recordings and secondary sources.
History
Copyright Date
1995-01-01Date of Award
1995-01-01Publisher
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of WellingtonRights License
Author Retains All RightsDegree Discipline
Political ScienceDegree Grantor
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of WellingtonDegree Level
MastersDegree Name
Master of ArtsVictoria University of Wellington Item Type
Awarded Research Masters ThesisLanguage
en_NZVictoria University of Wellington School
School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International RelationsAdvisors
Alley, RodericUsage metrics
Keywords
SovereigntySelf-determinationEast Timor160606 Government and Politics of Asia and the PacificDegree Level: MastersDegree Name: Master of ArtsDegree Discipline: Political ScienceSchool: School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International RelationsGovernment and Politics of Asia and the Pacific