From a much neglected Portuguese colony to independence, Timor-Leste travelled a belated, long and troubled journey that included a 24-year Indonesian occupation. A classic process of European decolonization (1974–1975) was followed by a nationalist struggle against “Third World Colonialism” (1975–1999), and a final phase under the direct aegis of the United Nations (1999–2002). More than a direct relation between coloniser and colonised, this turbulent process involved the participation of many different actors scattered around the world. The “Timor Issue” brought to the scene a martyred people’s determination, the diplomacy of several nations (friends or foes), the involvement of the United Nations, and the activism of solidarity networks. This collection adopts a transnational approach that highlights the complexity of Timor-Leste’s road to independence.

Zélia Pereira (PhD Évora 2018) has collaborated in several research projects in History and Archival Science, the most recent entitled ADeTiL - The self-determination of Timor-Leste: a study of Transnational History. Since 2005, she has been an archivist and information manager at the Mário Soares and Maria Barroso Foundation.

Rui Graça Feijó (DPhil Oxford 1984, Agregação Coimbra 2017), is Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra (contract pursuant the transitional measures stated in Law 57/2017) and at the Institute for Contemporary History, NOVA University of Lisboa. Previous books with AUP include Dynamics of Democracy in Timor-Leste (2016) and The Dead as Martyrs, Ancestors and Heroes in Timor-Leste ( with Lia Kent, 2020).

Acknowledgements
A Note on the Name of the Country
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
INTRODUCTION
Timor-Leste’s Long Road to Independence: Outline for an Analytical Framework (Zélia Pereira & Rui Graça Feijó)
PART ONE - BEFORE THE PORTUGUESE DECOLONISATION
1.While the Winds of Change Gently Blow. Timor-Leste before the Onset of the Portuguese Decolonisation, 1945–1974 (Rui Graça Feijó)
2. Elusive Colonialism in the Age of Bandung: Portugal, Timor-Leste and Indonesia, c.1947–1974 (Pedro Aires Oliveira)
3. An “Undigestible Lump:” Timor-Leste and the Politics of Self-determination (Brad Simpson)
PART TWO - THE PORTUGUESE REVOLUTION ARRIVES IN TIMOR-LESTE
1. Nations of Intent: Competing Ideological Views of Nationalism in Timor-Leste, 1974–1999 (Michael Leach)
2. Looking for a “Honourable Political Solution:” the Comissão Nacional de Descolonização and the Fate of Timor-Leste, 1974–1976 (Zélia Pereira)
3. “Canções Revolucionárias:” Rhetoric, Hermeneutic and Ideology Critique (Martinho G. da Silva Gusmão)
PART THREE - REACTION TO THE INDONESIAN INVASION OF TIMOR-LESTE
1. “Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t:” Portugal, the UN and the Timor-Leste Issue (Zélia Pereira)
2. “Reduce the Pressure on the Indonesians:” Australian Timor Policy at the UN, 1975–1982 (Peter Job)
2. “Our Interest Is Minimal, but….” Britain and the Indonesian Invasion of Timor-Leste, 1975–1976 (Norrie MacQueen)
PART FOUR - RESISTING THE INDONESIAN ANNEXATION OF TIMOR-LESTE
1. Return to Fronteira Norte: Rebuilding Resistance in Timor-Leste Western Districts, 1990–1995 (Edith Bowles)
2. “I Follow the Screaming.” The Timorese Catholic Church and the Struggle for Independence (Maria José Garrido)
3. Walking a Tightrope between the Army and the Church. Jesuit Relief during the Indonesian Occupation of Timor-Leste, 1975–1999 (Pocut Hanifah)
4. The Indonesian Genocide in Timor-Leste: Law, Politics, History (Clinton Fernandes)
Index