SUVANNABHUMI (수완나부미)

Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies (부산외대 아세안연구원)
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Regional Identity and Belonging: Timor-Leste and ASEAN

  • Hooi, Khoo Ying (Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya)
  • Received : 2020.01.30
  • Accepted : 2020.07.07
  • Published : 2020.07.31
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Abstract

Emerging from Portuguese colonialism and Indonesian occupation to become one of the newest states, Timor-Leste is an interesting example of modern nation-building. Geographically, Timor-Leste is located in the area covered by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In such context, Timor-Leste has a strong claim to belonging to Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste nevertheless has not yet been admitted formally as a member despite its application for membership in March 2011. This paper locates Timor-Leste in a broader context of their construction of regional identity and as part of Southeast Asia. Drawing upon the constructivist approach, this paper suggests that the complexity of Timor-Leste's regional affiliation with ASEAN is made more challenging with its quest to assert itself as a nation-in-the-making.

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Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank the respondents that have contributed valuable insights. Without them, this paper would not have been possible.

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