Foreign Aid for State-Building: A Comparative Study of Australian and Chinese Aid Programs in Timor-Leste
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: State-building effort is a continuous process in post-conflict countries.Since 2002, Timor-Leste has been in the process of its state-building endeavor with the support of the international community.Most of the foreign aid to the country has been for the purpose of state-building projects, the result however is a mixed record.Considerable criticisms have pointed towards donors' lack of concern regarding the state-building needs of the recipient country, as too much focus has been placed on their national interest.In recent years, Australian and Chinese aid has come under criticism.Critics have argued that important issues like poverty reduction and social and economic development have become secondary to both countries' national interests.This study explores the two countries' long-term goals in Timor-Leste by comparing and contrasting their aid programs to state-building initiatives from 2002-2011.It found that the two countries have differences in their aid programs as well as commonalities in terms of their approach to aid projects and programs and their national interest.The study argues that both countries' aid has been used as currency for buying time, political influence, and the hearts and minds of the Timorese for the purpose their long term goals.Foreign aid serves appreciation.First and foremost, I am truly indebted to my supervisor, Dr. Yeong-Hyun Kim, for her great inspiration, erudition, understanding and patience in guiding me throughout this process.
Authors: Barreto Soares, Laurentina Domingas
Institution: Ohio University
Language: English
Subfield: Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2755969743