Challenges Too Strong for the Nascent State of Timor-Leste: Petitioners and Mutineers

Abstract

Abstract Timor-Leste was badly shaken by a violent national crisis from April 2006 to April 2008. Central to the turmoil were the presence and actions of two groups of ex-soldiers from the Timorese army, known as “petitioners” and “mutineers.” This article examines their roles in driving the crisis, by empirically mapping their history, motivations, and relationships.