2013/09/01 by Rebecca Strating · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Peacebuilding and International Security #Post-Soviet Geopolitical Dynamics #Global Peace and Security Dynamics #Independence (probability theory) #Sovereignty #Colonialism #Political science #Political economy #Colonial rule #International relations #Foreign policy #National security #Development economics #Law #Sociology #Politics #Economics
paper · doi:10.1080/14799855.2013.832212
openalex publication_date 2013/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
This article focuses on the steps East Timor has taken to bolster its defense sector following its attainment of independence in 2002. In International Relations, scholars have often argued that the ability to defend territory and population from external threat is an essential component of sovereign statehood. Literature on post-colonial sovereignty, however, suggests that the external sovereignty of “weak” post-colonial states is more likely to be protected through international legal recognition. In recent years, East Timor has sought to develop their defense capacities in line with conventional thinking about security and “real” independence. This influences the foreign relations of East Timor and also has broader implications for understanding security and independence in post-colonial states.