Political Symbols and National Identity in Timor-Leste (Rethinking Peace and Conflict Studies)

This book explores how national identity has been negotiated and (re)imagined through the political symbols that embody it in post-conflict Timor-Leste. It develops a Modernist approach to nations and nationalism by incorporating Bourdieusian theories of symbolic capital and conflict, to examine how national identity has been constructed and represented in political symbols. Taking case studies of flags, monuments, national heroes, and street art, it critically analyses how a diverse population has interpreted and (re)constructed its national identity throughout the first decade of independence, and how the transition from a context of conflict to peace has influenced such popular imaginings. By examining these processes of identification with a wide range of symbols, the book discusses the numerous challenges that this young nation-state still faces, including victimhood and recognition, democratization and electoral politics, the political role of cosmology and spirituality, and post-colonial generational differences and divisions. Catherine Arthur is currently an Early Career Researcher. Dr Arthur's research on post-conflict nation-building, identity politics, and symbols particularly focuses on Timor-Leste as a transitional society Front Matter ....Pages i-x Struggle, Suffering, and Symbols: Narratives of Nationalism and Representing Identity (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 1-33 Front Matter ....Pages 35-35 Flying the Nation’s Colours: Commemorations of the Past and the National Flag of Timor-Leste (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 37-69 Monuments and Memorials: Funu, Terus, and Constructing an East Timorese National Identity (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 71-104 Front Matter ....Pages 105-105 The Spirit of Rebellion: National Heroes, Dom Boaventura, and Personifying National Identity (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 107-135 ‘Big Brother Xanana’: The Cult of Personality and the Creation of a Contemporary National Hero (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 137-168 Front Matter ....Pages 169-169 The Struggle Continues: Peace and Prosperity, Democratic Values and Development in Political Party Flags (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 171-201 Painting Peace and Prosperity: Street Art, the Geração Foun, and Identifying with an Evolving ‘East Timorese-ness’ (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 203-237 Front Matter ....Pages 239-239 Conclusion (Catherine E. Arthur)....Pages 241-247 Back Matter ....Pages 249-257 "This book explores how national identity has been negotiated and (re)imagined through the political symbols that embody it in post-conflict Timor-Leste. It develops a Modernist approach to nations and nationalism by incorporating Bourdieusian theories of symbolic capital and conflict, to examine how national identity has been constructed and represented in political symbols. Taking case studies of flags, monuments, national heroes, and street art, it critically analyses how a diverse population has interpreted and (re)constructed its national identity throughout the first decade of independence, and how the transition from a context of conflict to peace has influenced such popular imaginings. By examining these processes of identification with a wide range of symbols, the book discusses the numerous challenges that this young nation-state still faces, including victimhood and recognition, democratization and electoral politics, the political role of cosmology and spirituality, and post-colonial generational differences and divisions"--Back cover