Social psychology of east timor's nonviolent democratic transition: View from the inside

Abstract

Social psychological aspects of the East Timor peace and liberation movement were studied by in-depth interviews of key liberation leaders, using 20 open-ended questions in Tetum, the local language. Activist-leaders shared common beliefs: liberation as a prerequisite to development, unity,and possibility of peace through peaceful means. They told stories of acute self-suffering during imprisonment and torture; of their hopes, and courageous moments in the struggle. Human rights and Catholic faith ranked high in their shared values. Peaceful demonstrations, intergroup diplomacy, rallying international support, political and peace education towards consciousness transformation and housing refugees were liberationist nonviolent activities. Four important lessons were learned: advocacyto conscientise the people, practice of nonviolence, involvement of different sectors of society, and engaging the international community.