From Annexation to independence: normative power resurgence and the social construction of Timor-Leste’s statehood

Abstract

This article explores the interaction between material and normative power in international politics through a comparative analysis of Timor-Leste. By examining Indonesia’s annexation of Timor-Leste in 1975 and its resolution in 1999, this article shows the evolving consideration of normative reasons among actors. In 1975, material power took precedence, freezing the Timor-Leste issue in favour of Indonesia. By 1999, key actors recognized the illegitimacy of the annexation and prioritized a just, internationally acceptable solution for Timor-Leste, aligning with international norms. The article emphasizes the role of normative power in shaping international politics, illustrating that international politics is influenced by both material power and normative legitimacy. It highlights the resilience of normative reasons and the ongoing social (re)construction of international order, challenging the view that international politics is solely driven by material power. While material power may dominate initially, normative power and legitimacy eventually emerge.