Independência ou morte : articulações internacionais da FRETILIN na luta pela independência de Timor-Leste (1974-1975)

Abstract

The present thesis analyzes the international articulations of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) in the fight for East Timor’s independence, within the process of decolonization of Timorese territory. Our time frame spans from 1974, when the decolonization of Portuguese Timor carried out by Portugal began, to late 1975, when the Indonesian government invaded Timorese territory and began the process of annexation on December 7th. This research aims to identify the networks formed by FRETILIN on a global scale, seeking to understand how these enthusiastic networks affected the trajectory of the Front. For that, we used works aligned with the perspective of Global History, which enables a better understanding of broad international networks and possible circulation of influences on a global scale. The analysis is based on documentation produced by FRETILIN leaders between 1974 and 1975. Findings show how FRETILIN’s actions and the decolonization of East Timor were part of the context of the Cold War and the Third World. Looking at that context is essential for researching East Timor’s decolonization period. We conclude by discussing the relevance of FRETILIN’s international projection in the context of the Cold War and the emergence of the Third World.