Political security abstacles and challenges of Timor-Leste's ASEAN membership

Abstract

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has implemented its foreign policy by participating in various international organizations. To enhance its relation with other countries, particularly at the regional level, Timor-Leste is working hard to achieve its full membership in ASEAN and has already shown its seriousness to do so, submitting a formal application in 2011. This research focuses on political-security, aiming to find and describe the obstacles and challenges to political security in Timor-Leste, in support of the country joining ASEAN in the near future. Obstacles that have already been resolved by Timor-Leste, include the political security crisis of 2006, a problem of displaced persons, reconciliation and issues regarding veterans. The issues that still need serious attention from the government, in order to be overcome, include unlawful martial arts groups, boundary issues, and comprehensive security. While, political security challenges for the country are good governance, democracy, human rights, the electoral system, and national security.