The underpinning point of inquiry of our research is identity and social integration in relation to change and continuity. We seek to investigate how people come to see themselves as part of a community, how that community may remain sustainable or break apart, and to understand these questions in the context of nationalism and globalization. Timor-Leste is of unique interest as the last nation-state to be formed across the globe. The various pressures brought upon this territory, not least subsequent forms of colonialism, have led to complex social structures and forms of cultural and social adaptation that belie straightforward analysis.

Thus far the majority of our research work has focused on the period of independence and on four general thematic areas: gender, justice and security, nation building and community. Differentiating between themes is not meant to distract from the many and various intersections that exist between them, and for all the myriad detail that may be built over time, all four themes are aligned to the more general point of inquiry of identity and social integration.

In the future we hope to add additional thematic areas as new projects and partnerships develop. Prospective themes could include 'colonialism', 'resistance', as well as 'education and training' and 'agriculture and food security'.  



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