It is time for the development process to change modus operandi from “planning for the youth” to “planning with the youth”
Queering LGBT rights in Timor-Leste
If the state’s role as the protector of LGBT community rights is naturalised, the LGBT community may struggle to problematise state-sponsored “homonormativity” as a political strategy.
The life and times of an Unesco convention in Timor-Leste
Intangible Cultural Heritage processes carry a structure whose rigidity is out of place with the subject matter.
Timor-Leste’s deep politics and the enigma of Xanana Gusmao
In 2018, Gusmao's reframing of his modernist vision through a lulik alliance signalled a return to his cultural roots that assisted in regaining his waning charisma.
Living Art under attack in Timor-Leste: Arte Moris
The eviction of the young nation's only art school has shown who holds the real power in Timor-Leste.
30 years after the Santa Cruz massacre: What legacy is left behind?
The story of these youths' contribution to the liberation of their homeland is yet to be fully written.
Timor-Leste’s twin crises and what we must learn from them
Swarms of international aid and humanitarian assistance do not change long term problems, but deepen Timor-Leste’s vulnerability to shocks like coronavirus and climate-related extreme weather events.
Civic space in Timor-Leste during COVID-19 Part 2: Access and equity
COVID-19 arguably provided opportunities to increase legitimacy and accountability.
Civic space in Timor-Leste during COVID-19 Part 1: Governance and civil society
Civic space in Timor-Leste has been challenged and expanded by the pandemic
Conservation of Timor-Leste’s world-class marine ecology is not being taken seriously
Teeming with the greatest fish species biodiversity on the planet, these seas are under threat from large and small scale illegal fishing compounded by lax law enforcement.
44 Years after invasion: East Timor’s 1975 generation
The role of youth and students has been sidelined in the history of the resistance movement.
New Mandala’s most read in 2018
Revisit the 20 most popular articles published at New Mandala this year.
‘Belligerent cohabitation’ in Timor-Leste?
The semi-presidential political system has proven robust, despite the challenges in the aftermath of the 2017–18 elections.
Timor-Leste is no failing state
Apocalyptic portrayals of the country's future distract us from what its real problems are, and how to address them.
Perspectives on the Past at New Mandala
Welcoming the University of Sydney's Southeast Asian history bloggers to New Mandala.
Fighting corruption with spiritual power in East Timor
Support for the KHUNTO party springs from pockets of deep resentment towards the post-independence elite.
East Timor’s “Red Rosa”
A look back at Rosa "Muki" Bonaparte Soares' life of anti-colonialism and feminism, cut short by Indonesian occupation.
Election impressions from Timor-Leste
An annotated photo essay on what makes Timorese election campaigning distinctive.
Women and power in Timor’s elections
Quotas guarantee high levels of female representation in parliament. But patronage, and thus political power, remains decidedly in male hands.