“Lost in Transition: The development of Timor-Leste & the cultural fallout”
Paddy Tobias

9.30-10.30am Friday 13 March 2015

Since the nation’s independence referendum of 1999 various international agencies have directed Timor-Lestetowards “developed”, “stable”, “modern” nation-statehood. In many aspects the nation has obliged, and a growing proportion of the population, young and old, as well as political leaders, are willingly giving up their local way of life to make room for a better future. From this trend, confusion and ambivalence is emerging in forming a Timorese national identity. The paper begins with a story of one young Timorese from the central region of Timor-Leste, who is distressed by having to choose how to identify with Timor-Leste within a “modern” or “local-traditional” discourse. It will be claimed that today’s confused image of Timorese nationality and history is a direct consequence of the dominant state-building priorities since Timor’s independence. Moreover, this dominance is directly influencing the uncertainty that districts, as well as individuals, face with regards to the “right” Timorese institutions and norms with which to claim nationality. The paper explores these dilemmas in the hope of advancing the theoretical debate regarding the oppositional priorities between state-building and nation formation.

Paddy Tobias recently completed and submitted his PhD in Peace Studies at UNE. Last year Paddy was a Research Fellow for three months at the Institute for the Study of ConflictTransformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University, Belfast. Hisexperience comes from working in peacebuilding and development, particularly with regards to project implementation, monitoring and evaluations within the non-government sector.

A3 theatre, Arts Building
followed by morning tea
ALL WELCOME
Enquiries to: Karin von Strokirch – kvonstro@une.edu.au