Pragmatism or preference? Examining Timorese responses to decentralization

Abstract

This paper considers the decentralisation of powers to 'liberal-local hybrid' institutions at the village (that is, suco) and hamlet (that is, aldeia) level in Timor-Leste. It begins with a general introduction to the literature on decentralisation and liberal-local hybridity. It then outlines the process of decentralisation in Timor-Leste and considers the opportunities and challenges it has generated. It concludes that the Timor-Leste case suggests that decentralisation guided by liberal-local hybridity can play a role in building and embedding Timor-Leste and other new and post-conflict states. Show more