The road to nowhere: The rise of a neo-patrimonialist state in East Timor

James Scambary*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    7 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Over the last 9 years preceding 2016, the small half-island state of East Timor has embarked on a massive public spending program, with an emphasis on infrastructure. Over the same period, clientelist and neo-patrimonialist modes of distribution and governance have become increasingly entrenched. Drawing on his personal authority and status as a former guerilla commander, Kay Rala 'Xanana' Gusmão has centralized power and decision-making under his executive, bypassing ministerial and parliamentary structures in favor of a parallel set of informal personal networks. As a consequence, development outcomes have been poor at best, while a raft of highly ambitious white elephant projects, in the face of declining government revenues, threatens to bankrupt the state. This chapter analyzes the political economy of public expenditure in East Timor, and the implications and prospects for future development and the rule of law.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe Changing Face of Corruption in the Asia Pacific
    Subtitle of host publicationCurrent Perspectives and Future Challenges
    PublisherElsevier Inc.
    Pages267-280
    Number of pages14
    ISBN (Electronic)9780081012307
    ISBN (Print)9780081011096
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 5 May 2017

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The road to nowhere: The rise of a neo-patrimonialist state in East Timor'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this