The newest member of ASEAN needs to bolster ethical leadership and institutional integrity for its future generations.

The newest ASEAN member faces the Indian Ocean, not the South China Sea, giving India fresh maritime leverage.

Will Manila shake off its “deputy sheriff” badge to become the anchor of a new coalition in Southeast Asia?

Indonesia could make ASEAN membership meaningful for Timor-Leste by opening up ferries and flights from Kupang.

Membership brings promises for growth and regional voice, yet domestic capacity will determine real benefits for citizens.

Both moral and pragmatic cases exist to directly confront stains on the diplomatic record, yet Australia continues to duck, weave and obfuscate.

A major new research project published by the Lowy Institute says yes – but there’s more to the story.

Upset from the generals in Naypyidaw is a further test of Dili’s mastery of regional diplomatic choreography.

The bloc’s inability to mediate even among its members highlights a structural blind spot: it can convene, but not intervene, even when regional cohesion is at stake.

Growing the regional bloc with Timor-Leste’s membership has been more than a decade in the making.

With US aid disappearing, a new report shows Australia has a chance to align development cooperation with the region’s challenges and Australia’s strengths.

The admission of Timor-Leste will recall quarter-century-old unease about the development gap within the association.

Cheaper internet and higher speeds could be the beginning of a transformation but there are many local hurdles to overcome.

Despite its small size, the Southeast Asian nation should not be underestimated.

Unresolved issues hinder a profound healing process and Indonesia’s President-elect could make a powerful gesture to advance the cause.

Opponents of carbon capture plans need to look past ideology and think about the development costs to friends and neighbours.

Health and education are where Canberra can help Dili the most. But language barriers require thinking outside the box.

The Gusmão-led government has a raft of development challenges and cannot afford to rely solely on oil and gas.

The real political wrangling will follow the ballot. The President meantime is advancing a long held regional ambition.

A promise to send a person with disability to parliament following the election can galvanise action.

Where do political dynamics stand as Southeast Asia’s youngest democracy kicks off parliamentary elections?

Australia’s northern neighbour approaches a political inflection point.

From Timorese history and Bougainville’s dreams to Australia’s regional stories, catch up on essential background.

Regional stability, economic resilience and mutual prosperity – what’s not to like about a cross-border FTZ?

Beijing is a minor player in development finance for Dili – but it’s a different story with state-owned enterprises.

The Greater Sunrise LNG field will top his agenda, along with economic diversification and ASEAN membership.

Abe Shinzo’s passing and the Timor oil spy case dismissal reveal new thinking about what national security means.

…and the unfolding geopolitical rivalry around them.

Fostering connections with a new generation of democratic leaders offers Australia an edge in its island neighbour.

Two decades of independence has seen laudable achievements but stormy economic waters lie ahead.

And three questions about what’s next.

In the battle for leadership, an integral part of good governance has been overlooked: listening to the people.

On the ballot it’s Guterres versus Horta, but also Gusmão versus Alkatiri continuing their post-independence feud.

The first round of voting showed resistance-era figures still dominate. But questions swirl over who wins the prize.

The heroes of the independence movement still dominate the political scene, only the emotional ties are ageing.

The small country’s decision to stand against Russia underscored its democratic credentials in a region without many.

Jose Ramos-Horta hopes to win back his old job – Xanana Gusmão, too – while Fretilin’s own leadership question looms.

Protecting a growing population in Dili from disasters requires a cross-community effort – not just government.

Without a vision for sustainable development and action on climate change, there can be no “building back better”.

Remembered as a principled defender of human rights, the late foreign minister took a different tack with Suharto.

Mounting crises raise questions about infrastructure spending, the uses of oil wealth and the need for elite consensus.

Reactive measures by the Timor-Leste government and aid from overseas won’t prevent the same disaster next time.

Young people make up most of the country’s unemployed, sending many overseas, while needed skills go unmet at home.

An new law under the guise of “dignity” would only diminish democracy and transparency in the country.

A dual shock has demonstrated that dependence on oil revenue is unsustainable.

A coronavirus outbreak would not only overwhelm the health system, but would deepen the country’s poverty as well.

A government of national unity might be desirable right now, but such a prospect seems remote.

If Covid-19 teaches us anything, obviously we need to plan, but let’s not pretend the future is actually predictable.

Instability looms as the largest party in the governing coalition abstains on the budget proposed by its own government.

Personal connections matter and can have a lasting influence 20 years on.